A judge has sentenced John Sproule to a two-year conditional sentence for the fatal stabbing of Ryden Brogden in Banff, Alberta. The ruling was made on Wednesday by Justice Johanna Price, who determined that Sproule acted in self-defense but used excessive force during the altercation on September 3, 2022.

Sproule, 23, was found guilty of manslaughter after a jury trial. He had initially faced a second-degree murder charge. The Crown had sought a prison term of five to six years, while the defense argued for a conditional sentence, citing the 98 days Sproule had already spent in custody.

Justice Price emphasized that no sentence could truly compensate for the loss of life. "The loss of a life is not measured through the sentence imposed," she stated in a courtroom filled with spectators.

The incident occurred outside the Dancing Sasquatch bar, where Brogden, 27, was approached by Sproule, who asked for a cigarette. According to the judge's findings, Brogden responded by pushing and sucker-punching Sproule, escalating the confrontation. Price noted that Brogden had the upper hand during the fight, which included him throwing Sproule to the ground and threatening him.

During the struggle, Sproule pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed Brogden 19 times. Price acknowledged that while Sproule was defending himself, his response was disproportionate to the threat he faced. "Mr. Sproule was defending himself throughout the attack on him by Mr. Brogden. However, his response was excessive," she explained.

The judge also rejected testimony from Brogden's friend, Howard Pearce, who claimed that Sproule had threatened Brogden before the fight. Price found Pearce's account inconsistent and did not believe Sproule made any threats.

As part of the conditional sentence, Sproule will serve two years under house arrest, with certain exceptions, and will also be on probation for an additional two years. He is required to complete 240 hours of community service.

Following the sentencing, members of Brogden's family expressed their anger and disappointment, with some leaving the courtroom in distress. Price acknowledged the emotional weight of the case, stating, "This is a challenging case, and I acknowledge it may be difficult to understand how someone can stab and kill and not face imprisonment."

The events leading to the stabbing unfolded during a long weekend in Banff, where both men were visiting. Sproule was in town with his family, while Brogden was en route to a fishing trip with friends. The judge noted that the two groups had no prior animosity before the incident occurred.