Col. Williams gets two concurrent life sentences
Posted October 21, 2010 11:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BELLEVILLE, ONT (NEWS1130) – Col. Russell Williams was sentenced today to two concurrent life sentences with no possibility of parole for 25 years.
As the convicted killer stood in the prisoner’s box, Justice Robert Scott read out the automatic life sentence. “Your eligibility for parole is after 25 years, but that’s no guarantee you’ll be eligible at that point,” Justice Scott said.
Col. Williams addressed the court before being sentenced. Through tears and his voice breaking, Williams said he deeply regrets what he’s done.
“I stand before you indescribably ashamed … I know that the crimes I have committed have damaged many people,” Col. Williams said.
“I have committed despicable crimes … betraying my family, my friends and colleagues and the Canadian Forces … I shall spend the rest of my life regretting that I have ended two vibrant, innocent and cherished lives.”
The judge said he believes the colonel’s apology to be sincere, but that he remains “an emotionless serial killer.” Judge Scott told the court the brutal, senseless crimes means Col. Williams will be forever notorious and added “he may best be described as Canada’s bright shining lie.”
The Canadian Forces said it can now act to remove Col. Williams, who used to command CFB Trenton.
Lt.-Gen Andre Deschamps, chief of the air staff, said all Canadians are stunned by Williams’ crimes. Deschamps said while Williams will see his medals taken away, the military cannot revoke his pension. It will, however, claw back the reported $12,000-a-month salary Williams collected during the several months he spent in jail.
Prosecutor Lee Burgess said the Crown won’t be seeking dangerous offender status because it is “superfluous” and would only prolong the suffering of families. Dangerous offender status would mean he’d be jailed indefinitely.
Andy Lloyd, the brother of victim Jessica Lloyd, said he had hoped the Crown would ask for dangerous offender status, meaning Col. Williams would never get out of prison.
“We want him locked in there until the day he dies,” Lloyd said. “I’m sure that’s what everybody wants … just to get this over with and get back to normal life.”
A portion of the disgraced colonel’s chilling videotaped police confession was made public Wednesday and starts with Col. Williams’ cocky smile.
Col. Williams was asked why these things happened. “I’m pretty sure the answers don’t matter,” he said.
