Survivor Aimee Ert forgives serial rapist Richard Mantha at sentencing

Aimee Ert, who escaped a brutal attack by serial rapist Richard Mantha on his acreage east of Calgary, lifted a publication ban and addressed the court, declaring she forgives him for her own healing. She recounted being drugged, choked and assaulted before fleeing his trailer and running across farmland. The Crown prosecutor Dominique Mathurin urged a prison term of 10 to 13 years, whereas defence lawyer Justin Dean argued for a reduced sentence of five to seven years due to Mantha’s deteriorating health after a stroke.

Mantha, now unable to speak, was found guilty of six offences, including drugging and suffocating victims, after originally facing 20 charges tied to seven women, many of whom were vulnerable sex-trade workers. Justice Judith Shriar will issue her ruling on September 17. Ert emphasized her desire to be seen as a survivor and hopes the outcome includes both justice and treatment for Mantha.