Iain Aspenlieder, a former City of Ottawa lawyer, is set to be sentenced on January 7 for vandalizing the National Holocaust Monument. Aspenlieder pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this year.

During a recent court hearing, Crown and defense attorneys agreed to reconvene for the sentencing decision by Superior Court Justice Anne London-Weinstein. Aspenlieder remains in custody after requesting to return to the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre, citing that his bail conditions were causing undue hardship for his family.

Aspenlieder had been granted bail after pleading guilty on July 25. His defense attorney, Michael Spratt, noted that this was the first time a client had made such a request. The decision followed a thorough discussion between Aspenlieder and his legal counsel.

Aspenlieder was arrested on June 27 and faced multiple charges, including mischief to a war monument, mischief exceeding $5,000, and harassment by threatening conduct. The charges stemmed from an incident on June 9, when he defaced the National Holocaust Monument with the words "FEED ME" painted in red.

Crown attorney Moiz Karimjee proposed a two-year sentence, with credit for time served, followed by three years of probation. He argued that Aspenlieder's actions had a detrimental impact on the Jewish community in Ottawa and across Canada, linking them to the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict. Karimjee stated, "This offence harmed the Jewish community and all Canadians because of a foreign conflict."

While Spratt acknowledged that Aspenlieder should face consequences for his actions, he contested the assertion that the vandalism was motivated by hate. He emphasized that the effects of the vandalism were serious, regardless of Aspenlieder's intentions.

Aspenlieder expressed remorse during the hearing, stating he did not intend to instill fear within the Jewish community. He explained that his actions were meant to draw a connection between the Holocaust and the humanitarian crisis in the region. However, he accepted responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that he broke the law.

Victim impact statements presented in court highlighted the fear and pain experienced by those connected to the National Holocaust Monument following the vandalism. The court will reconvene on January 7 to finalize Aspenlieder's sentence.