Richard Mantha, a Calgary man who sexually assaulted three vulnerable women, has been sentenced to 12 years. Mantha, 62, was convicted of six offences in April, including drugging one of his victims. Another he suffocated and assaulted with a weapon. He was also found guilty of uttering threats against a fourth woman. “The impact of Mr. Mantha’s crimes is aggravating,” said Justice J. Shriar in the Thursday sentencing decision. She added that the victim impact statement from Aimee Ert “was one of the most moving this court has ever heard.” “She powerfully explained of the significant emotional impacts of long-lasting fear and anxiety, anger and grief. undermining her sense of safety. trust and well being and the financial costs of installing a security system around her home and for counselling.” During trial, court heard some of the women were picked up by Mantha and driven to a rural acreage east of Calgary, where they were attacked. Other incidents happened at a Calgary hotel and a local residence. Mantha initially faced 20 charges involving seven women, but the remaining charges were dropped. The trial began in January 2024 and faced several lengthy delays after Mantha fired his previous lawyers and suffered a stroke. He was later found fit to stand trial despite having reduced verbal skills. Mantha was also given a lifetime ban on owning any firearms and has been ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. With more than five years credit for his time served, Mantha’s remaining sentence is six years, eight months and 28 days.
