Hells Angels associates appealing Kelowna manslaughter convictions

VANCOUVER – Brothers found guilty of manslaughter in the beating death of Kelowna father Dain Phillips are appealing their convictions and sentences.

Hells Angels associates Daniel McRae and Matthew McRae also want out of jail on bail until their appeals are heard and a decision is made, according to a report in the Vancouver Province.

In October, Daniel McRae was sentenced to five-years, while his older brother Matthew was handed a three-year sentence.

Justice Mark McEwan said Daniel, who was 19 at the time, showed no signs of remorse after Phillips was fatally attacked with hammers and bats on June 12, 2014.

The judge said Matthew knew the confrontations would result in bodily harm to the victim. McEwan also acknowledged during sentencing none of the men took part in the assault, but he said they played a role in the death, nonetheless.

Both defendents claim in their notices of appeal the judge erred in several of his rulings.

The brothers are back in court on Nov. 26 to find out whether or not their appeals will be successful.

Hells Angels members Norman Cocks and Robert Thomas have already pleaded guilty to manslaughter and were sentenced in January to 15 years each.