Man awaits sentence for vicious beating
The man who admitted to beating Edmonton taxi driver Kelly Richards, leaving him in a vegetative state, likely won't be sentenced until the fall.
Scott Allan Mackenzie, 23, pleaded guilty to beating Richards, in January 1999.
Justice Jacqueline Coutu ruled she needs more medical evidence on the victim's condition before deciding how long Mackenzie should spend in jail.
Cabbie Albert Griesheimer who has known Richards for nearly 40 years says no sentence will bring justice in this case.
"Kelly's sentenced to life, you know, he's a vegetable, he's wearing diapers," said Griesheimer. "The Alberta government is going to have to look after him for the rest of his life because we can't find his family. Whatever that man gets as far as I'm concerned is not going to be enough, never going to be enough. He just as well murdered him."
The prosecution and the defence pushed for a two-year prison term for Mackenzie.
The judge indicated she may decide on a longer sentence after hearing from doctors who examined the victim.
Mackenzie remains in custody at the Edmonton Remand Centre.