Home / Crime and Justice / Moncton Assault Case: Accused Pleads Guilty
Moncton Assault Case: Accused Pleads Guilty
31 Jul
Summary
- Luke Thomas Walter Powers pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.
- The assault occurred outside a downtown Moncton bar on March 14.
- Sentencing is scheduled for September 18 after a report.
A Moncton man, Luke Thomas Walter Powers, 43, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on Friday. The charge stems from an incident on March 14 outside a downtown bar where he assaulted John McLaren, an individual known to him. McLaren was discovered unconscious and injured, prompting an RCMP response and subsequent intensive care.
Powers, a former soldier, has a history of mental health issues. He was previously found not criminally responsible for a machete attack in 2014 and spent time in psychiatric care until 2018. A recent psychiatric assessment for this case is under a publication ban.
A joint sentencing recommendation has been submitted to the court. Provincial Court Judge Ronald LeBlanc cautioned Powers that the judge is not obligated to follow these recommendations. Powers will undergo a pre-sentencing report before his sentencing, which is scheduled for September 18.
