By Ian Holmes

Man sentenced for mysterious beating in Nanaimo

Jan 29, 2019 | 2:49 PM

NANAIMO — A man pleaded guilty and was jailed for an unprovoked attack he claims he can’t remember which left a Nanaimo man with serious facial injuries.

Peter Anthony Wuitchik, 36, was convicted of assault causing bodily harm and mischief in relation to an unusual attack against a 67-year-old man on his Stewart Ave. property near the Departure Bay ferry terminal.

Wuitchik was sentenced to six months in jail and 18-months probation following a joint submission between the Crown and defence in provincial court in Nanaimo Tuesday.

Court heard on Sept. 5, 2017 at around 2 a.m. Wuitchik was confronted by Craig Fleming for looking into his neighbour’s Toyota Tercel.

Crown prosecutor Basil McCormick said Wuitchik responded by punching Fleming in the face multiple times, sending him to the ground with serious facial wounds.

closing arguments

Crown refutes self-defence claims for Nanaimo woman on trial for murder/dismembering ex-boyfriend

8h ago

rental rules

Thousands of short-term rentals go back to long-term May 1: B.C. government

12h ago

sweet sounds

Nanaimo woman tries to coax trapped killer calf out of tidal lagoon with her violin

16h ago

“The injuries to Mr. Fleming included a broken nose as well as a broken orbital bone. He had to have surgery to have those repaired. As well he had some lacerations to his forehead,” McCormick said.

Disturbing photographs of Fleming’s bloodied and swollen face were taken by police and presented to Judge Ron Lamperson as exhibits.

McCormick said following the attack Wuitchik was arrested by police on nearby Princess Royal Ave.

Wuitchik was intoxicated and wasn’t wearing shoes, according to police.

McCormick said Wuitchik also damaged the roof of the Toyota and appeared to have tried to remove the steering wheel’s locking device. Wuitchik left his phone in the car.

DNA blood samples found on Wuitchik’s clothing tied him to the crime, court was told.

Defence lawyer Stephen Taylor said Wuitchik has no recollection of the incident.

“Until we had the DNA he just couldn’t believe it was him…It’s inexplicable to him how this happened. He’s very, very remorseful about the injuries to this gentleman…he doesn’t remember,” Taylor said.

Judge Lamperson called the case upsetting and puzzling.

Wuitchik is a self-employed painter and long term Gabriola Island resident.

His prior criminal record spans from 2002 to 2005, primarily for property crimes and breaching probation.

Wuitchik’s release conditions include staying away from alcohol and drugs.

He’ll have to give a mandatory DNA order and was also handed a five-year firearms ban.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes