A man convicted of twice assaulting a Vancouver woman has been sentenced to time served and a conditional sentence, which includes remaining at a Chilliwack rehab facility.
Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Patrick Doherty told Colton Taylor Edwards the rehab is strict and that he is expected to stay unless he wants to go to jail.
Edwards pleaded guilty to assault, assault causing bodily harm and unlawful imprisonment or confinement.
Doherty said Edwards had gone to the woman’s home March 8, 2022 to have a shower.
“You took advantage of her kindness and you punched her in the back of the head and then you pushed her face to the floor,” the judge said.
He was arrested and told to have no contact with the woman, whose identity is covered by a publication ban.
But, Edwards returned June 13, 2022.
“You punched her. You strangled her for a period of time,” Doherty said, noting the woman was left with a black eye and grazing.
Still, Doherty said, “I can tell you’re taking responsibility because you’re pleading guilty.”
Since the arrests, Edwards has spent more than 11 months in jail for which he receives time-and-a-half credit.
However, the judge told Edwards, “You may think you’ve done enough time right now and you’re free to go. You have not done enough time and you’re going to do a conditional sentence.”
The judge said the rehab is almost as strict as jail and would be a good transition for Edwards. He must also serve two years of probation.
