NORTH BATTLEFORD – The manslaughter sentencing of Keenan Mirasty has been adjourned to later this month, this time due to COVID-19 issues impacting counsel.
The case is now set to return to North Battleford Provincial Court April 29 at 1:30 p.m. for sentencing submissions on that date.
Mirasty had appeared by phone Friday, April 8 in North Battleford Provincial Court for sentencing in connection to the beating death of Sequin Mooswa, 22, on March 8, 2020 in North Battleford.
It had been anticipated that counsel would make final submissions regarding the length of the sentence for Mirasty during this latest court date.
But it turned out to be a brief appearance. Mirasty’s lawyer Michael Nolin, also appearing by phone, requested the adjournment citing COVID-19 issues in his office. Nolin explained that he was the “last man standing” in his office and had faced a hectic last few days.
“It is a situation where we’re in uncertain times,” said Judge Dan O’Hanlon, who acknowledged Nolin had provided advance notice to the court by email. Given the circumstances, O’Hanlon said, he agreed to grant the adjournment.
The sentencing for Mirasty has been a protracted one due to various issues over the past year and a half.
Mirasty pleaded guilty in October 2020 to manslaughter, but sentencing submissions did not take place until August 2021. After a disagreement emerged between counsel over the agreed statement of facts, a full sentencing hearing was held in provincial court in March, 2021.
On April 1, Judge O’Hanlon ruled that Mirasty had committed a second assault on Mooswa in her apartment on the morning of March 8, and accepted the agreed statement of facts submitted in the case.
