Alberta man receives 12-year term for serial sexual assaults on vulnerable women

Richard Robert Mantha, a 62-year-old resident of the Calgary area, was handed a 12-year prison term for a series of sexual assaults targeting vulnerable women near the city from 2019 to 2023. The convictions include six counts, among them drugging a victim and issuing threats against another, with most victims identified as sex-trade workers. Justice Judith Shriar described Mantha’s conduct as showing “callous disrespect,” highlighting his laughter as a terrified woman ran from his rural acreage.

The sentencing takes into account five years and three months already served, meaning he has less than seven years remaining. The Crown’s recommendation ranged from 10 to 13 years, whereas his defence asked for five to seven years. During the hearing, Aimee Ert recounted being drugged, choked and assaulted after agreeing to accompany Mantha, and she later expressed forgiveness toward him while acknowledging the lasting trauma.