Joshua Bredo has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the August 3, 2011 death of Revelstoke musician Daniel Levesque. Levesque died following a violent altercation in a Victoria, BC condominium.
Bredo’s plea was made in Victoria court on Monday. Bredo’s lawyer and crown counsel submitted a joint statement of facts where Bredo acknowledged his responsibility for the death of Levesque. The joint submission is asking the court to impose a sentence of less than 10 years.
Members of Levesque’s family read impact statements at the Victoria Law Courts on Monday morning. Levesque’s mom Stacey Thur, father Stephan Levesque, and Levesque’s younger sister all read impact statements to the court.
In 2011, Bredo faced charges of second-degree murder over the incident. However, the charge was stayed due to a lack of evidence.
In 2015, Bredo faced trial on charges of first-degree murder, sexual assault and unlawful confinement. The charges were dropped after Justice Malcolm Macaulay declared a mistrial, stating the matter wasn’t ready for trial.
Justice Geoffrey Gaul sentenced Bredo to nine years less a day of jail time. However, Bredo will only serve two years less a day of jail time. Bredo has been in custody for nearly five years, and will receive a credit for having already served the equivalent of a seven year sentence.
Levesque’s mom, Stacey Thur said while the outcome is less than satisfying, it’s now time to start to heal.
“We are feeling relieved that this legal process is over,” she said. “No matter how unsatisfying the outcome feels, now we can start to heal.”
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