Sentencing Adjourned For Disgraced Medicine Man
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 at 13:55
The sentencing for a First Nations pipe carrier found guilty of sexual assault has been adjourned until later this month.
The Crown is recommending a four-year sentence or more for 54-year-old Dennis Clayton Buffalo.
The prosecution says the case is a major sexual assault and the sentence is warranted.
The assault occurred during a healing ceremony in December 2006.
Defence counsel Dave Andrews says that while the assault is serious, he would like a lesser sentence of two years plus probation.
He says his client has helped many people in the First Nations community through the years, with sweat lodges and pipe ceremonies.
Andrews also submitted letters of support from Buffalo’s family and community.
Justice Catherine Dawson is taking time to review both sentencing recommendations.
Buffalo was allowed to speak in court and said, “I’m sorry it had to come to this. I still say I didn’t do it, because I didn’t.”
Sentencing is scheduled for February 22nd in Regina.