Sentencing arguments begin Tuesday for a man convicted of sexually assaulting three vulnerable women and drugging one of them. Richard Mantha was found guilty of six offences following a trial that stretched more than two years. The full day has been set aside for the Crown and defence to make sentencing arguments. Each side will tell Justice Judith Shriar what penalty it believes is appropriate and the factors it believes she should consider. While Mantha could learn his sentence Tuesday, the judge will likely reserve her decision. The 62-year-old was convicted of two counts of sexual assault, along with choking while committing a sexual assault and administering a noxious substance. He was also found guilty of assault with a weapon and uttering threats against a fourth woman. Court heard some of the women were picked up and driven to a rural acreage east of Calgary, where they were attacked. Other incidents occurred at a Calgary hotel and a local residence. Mantha initially faced 20 charges involving seven women, but the remaining charges were dismissed. The trial began in January 2024 and faced several lengthy delays after Mantha fired previous lawyers and suffered a stroke. He was later found fit to stand trial despite having reduced verbal skills. Tuesday’s sentencing arguments are expected to continue throughout the day. A criminal justice professor who spoke with CTV News after the verdict said Mantha could be facing a significant prison sentence because of the seriousness of the convictions, with some carrying up to 14 years behind bars. However, the judge will also have to consider any time Mantha has already spent in custody.
