A sentencing hearing for 52-year-old Cal Little and 25-year-old Heather Nystrom, both convicted of multiple charges related to firearms and robbery, did not proceed as planned on Wednesday morning.
Nystrom appeared via video conference while Little appeared in person, looking stern-faced and cross-armed throughout the hearing.
At one point during the proceedings, Little grew impatient, before getting into an argument with the judge. Little claimed to have been promised a pre-sentencing report several weeks ago, but the judge claimed to not have issued one for him.
Little also took exception to not having any legal counsel and having to represent himself. He would continue to get angry until the judge ordered him to “sit down and be quiet.”
Following a brief back and forth argument, Little sat down and forced himself to calm down.
Later on, the judge agreed to adjourn Little’s sentencing, and prepare a pre-sentencing report that would be presented in 8 weeks, with Little appearing via video conference.
Nystrom’s attorney pleaded with the judge to consider the rehabilitative steps that her client had been taking during her time in police custody so far. This included getting a grade 12 education, and seeking treatment for her drug addiction. Nystrom also expressed a desire to apologize to the victim of the incident, whose identity is protected under a publication ban.
The judge noted that she would have to take some time to think these factors over before sentencing Nystrom, and a new sentencing date would be fixed within the next two weeks.
The charge of armed robbery carries a minimum sentence of 5 years in Canada. Nystrom’s lawyer asked for a reduced sentence of 3 years, followed by 3 years of probation. In Little’s case, the Crown is seeking a sentence of 8 years and 8 months.
Neither Little nor Nystrom had a previous criminal record before their arrest in July 2016, when they were hired by the victim to perform a live sex show, only for Little to point a sawed-off shotgun towards the victim and demand cash.
While Nystrom was in custody after failing to appear in court, Little managed to evade the RCMP while on bail, until a foot chase led to his arrest in January. While he was being sought by RCMP during that time, both Little and Nystrom were found guilty on their charges.