MRU student found not guilty in attack on professor

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A judge has found a university student not guilty after attacking a Mount Royal University professor while high on magic mushrooms in 2018.

Matthew Brown, the former captain of the MRU men’s hockey team admitted to running naked through Springbank Hill in the middle of the night in January of 2018, breaking into the home of Janet Hamnett.

The 28-year-old attacked her causing severe injuries to her hands and arms

Brown was arrested the following morning, still without clothes, inside another home he broke into and was charged with break and enter and assault

Defence lawyer Sean Fagan said Brown’s mental state was compromised and he showed his remorse through the trial.

“It means the world to him. It means his future. It was quite emotional, he’s been emotional for the entirety of the proceedings. The court made a finding that his apology was genuine.”

However, Hamnett’s daughter Lara Unsworth said the verdict is disappointing and while they didn’t want a strict sentence, they did want the judge to hold him responsible.

“We wanted a lesson shared with society that it’s not ok to get that out of control and to hurt people.”

The victim’s husband is also saddened by the judge’s decision adding his wife continues to deal with the stress of the attack.

Court also heard that Brown was extremely intoxicated on alcohol as well which exacerbated the situation

Crown prosecutor Matt Block said they may consider an appeal but haven’t reached that point yet.

Brown spoke to 660 NEWS briefly outside the courthouse saying he’s relieved and thanks his friends and family for supporting him.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today