The man convicted of first-degree murder in the death of a Toronto businessman, whose body was found in Bracebridge, has been sentenced to life in prison.
Todd Howley was handed the sentence on Tuesday in a Bracebridge courtroom. The judge ruled that Howley would be sentence to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
Howley was convicted on Saturday of first-degree murder in the death of Paul Maasland. The body of the 55-year-old was found near the town’s public boat launch in August 2010.
Howley was charged eight months later after being arrested in Dalton, Ga. He was later extradited back to Canada.
Members of Maasland’s family read victim impact statements at Tuesday’s sentencing
Mildred Maasland wrote about how happy childhood memories of her son “are replaced by a dark cloud of grief” and that her sleep is interrupted by “thought of him beaten to death.”
Maasland’s sisters also told the court “the manner of Paul’s death was brutal and potentially extremely painful" and “that aspect of his death is so devastating.”
They describe their brother as a generous and trusting man, but how ultimately in their view “trust and generosity led Paul to his demise."
Howley chose not to address the court. However, his defence lawyers say he is considering an appeal.
“It's a conviction for an offence that he said he didn't do and that was the position that we put to the jury,” says defence lawyer Breese Davies. “He is disappointed and he is looking forward to the next steps. That’s really all he can do.”
The Maasland family says while the trial has come to a close, it doesn’t erase the pain.
