🔨 Killers express deep remorse while awaiting sentence

Justin Kyle Jackson and Eric Brian Williams Soto, convicted of manslaughter in a joint enterprise, expressed deep remorse for the death of Harry Elliott, who was shot during an attempted robbery in April 2022. The two men appeared in court via video link for their sentencing hearing for manslaughter and gun possession. The crown listed several aggravating factors, including the pre-planned nature of the robbery and the firing of the gun within a small shop. Jackson, who fired the gun, has previous convictions for violence and was on licence after serving a six-year sentence for wounding with intent.🔫

Defence attorney Sallie Bennett-Jenkins argued for leniency, stating that Jackson had expressed deep remorse and had admitted to manslaughter early on. She also highlighted Jackson's serious mental health issues, which had never been properly addressed, and his emotionally and developmentally immature state. Bennett-Jenkins urged the court not to "simply write him off" and to give a sentence that doesn't "crush all hope". Jackson has also been convicted of a separate firearms offence, with the court expected to address this case when the judge delivers her decision on the manslaughter conviction next month.🏛️

Charles Miskin, representing Eric Soto, argued that his client was also deeply remorseful and had not been aware of Jackson's possession of a gun. Miskin stated that Soto's involvement in the crime was due to "immaturity and keeping bad company" and a lack of skills to avoid trouble. Soto, unlike Jackson, has no previous convictions.👨‍⚖️