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Elderly Woman's Brutal Attack Sparks Sentencing Debate
19 Mar
Summary
- Victim, 83, suffers severe injuries and can no longer walk unaided.
- Attacker, 28, admits to aggravated assault in random street attack.
- Court hears of attacker's mental health issues and history of drug use.
Lawyers presented arguments in a Winnipeg court on Wednesday concerning the sentence for a 28-year-old man who admitted to severely assaulting an elderly woman, rendering her unable to walk independently. The victim, 83-year-old Victoria Comeau, was randomly attacked in February 2025 while on her way to purchase milk near her residence.
Court heard that the accused, Justin Getty, punched Ms. Comeau from behind, causing her to fall. He then proceeded to kick her hip and attempt to use her walker against her before bystanders intervened. Getty later admitted to an assault worker at his facility that he had attacked "an old woman and stomped on her."
Ms. Comeau sustained multiple fractures to her pelvic bone and was deemed medically unfit for surgery due to her age and frailty. She now requires constant care and is unable to walk without assistance. Getty, who appeared via video conference from Headingley Correctional Centre, has a documented history of psychosis, drug use, and struggles with foster care upbringing.
The prosecution requested a five-year sentence, citing Getty's lack of remorse and high risk of re-offending. Getty's defence lawyer argued for a 24-month sentence, highlighting Getty's vulnerability and recent positive response to antipsychotic medication. Getty expressed remorse at the hearing's conclusion, apologizing for his actions and vowing to stay off drugs.


