Defence says former soldier convicted in training accident should be spared jail

SHILO, Man. – The defence for a former warrant officer convicted in a training accident that killed a soldier in Afghanistan is asking a military judge to spare him from jail.

Defence lawyer Lt.-Cmdr. Patrice (pah-TREESE’) Desbiens (day-BYEHN)’ has suggested that Paul Ravensdale be punished with a reduction in rank and a severe reprimand.

In his sentencing submissions before a court martial in Manitoba, Desbiens said Ravensdale did the best he could in a difficult situation three years ago during a training exercise.

Desbiens said the fault lies with superiors who gave Desbiens too many responsibilities, and he couldn’t properly focus on soldiers’ safety.

The prosecution says the now-retired Ravensdale ignored safety rules during the testing of anti-personnel mines and should be sent to prison for four years.

Cpl. Josh Baker, who was 24, was killed and four other soldiers injured when one of the mines misfired.

The judge is to deliver his sentence March 18.