Winnipeg Attacker's 'Callousness' Leads to 5-Year Sentence

A man has received a five-year prison sentence for a violent, unprovoked assault on an 83-year-old woman in Winnipeg. The attack occurred in February 2025 as the victim was walking to buy milk near her home. The offender, Justin Getty, 28, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. He punched the woman from behind, pushed her, kicked her, and was about to strike her with her walker before bystanders intervened.

Victoria Comeau, the victim, spent three months in hospital with pelvic fractures. Due to her age and frailty, surgery was not an option. She now requires significant care, including assistance with walking and needing escorts to leave her home, effectively losing her independence. The judge noted Comeau's fear and terror of leaving her residence following the incident.

Getty, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and stimulant use disorder, displayed erratic behavior when apprehended by police. His defense suggested a misguided belief that the victim was involved in a prior assault. However, the judge expressed "extreme concern" regarding Getty's risk to reoffend, citing his comments showing a lack of care for the victim's suffering and his attitude towards seeking substance abuse treatment.

The judge deemed the random, daytime assault on a vulnerable victim particularly egregious. Despite Getty receiving extensive support, he committed an extremely violent offense. The five-year sentence, recommended by prosecutors, was considered lenient by the judge, who emphasized the escalation in his offending behavior and the ongoing risk posed by his untreated mental health and substance use issues. Getty received credit for approximately one year and four months of time served.