Kelowna Hells Angels sentenced to 15 years

KELOWNA — Two full patch members of the Hells Angels have been handed lengthy prison sentences for killing a Kelowna man.

Robert Leonard Thomas and Norman Cocks pleaded guilty last week to manslaughter for the June 2011 beating death of Dain Phillips.

Thomas and Cocks struck Phillips, 51, on the head with a baseball bat and hammer.

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Phillips was trying to peacefully resolve a conflict between his two sons and two other teens who are associated with the Hells Angels.

Phillips’ sons witnessed the fatal assault.

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There are four alleged accomplices to the killing. They are currently on trial for manslaughter in Vancouver.

Thomas and Cocks have been sentenced to 15 years in prison but have been given credit for more than two years served in pre-trial custody.

It’s the first time in B.C. that members of the Hells Angels in B.C. have been convicted of killing someone.

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Kelowna RCMP have taken the unusual step of commenting on the sentencing.

“Although the matter remains before the Courts, I hope these guilty pleas will serve to bring some measure of closure to those who cared for Dain Phillips,” says Kelowna RCMP Superintendent Nick Romanchuk.

B.C’s top cop also commented on the sentencing.

“Previous investigations and convictions have made it clear that members of the Hells Angels are involved in drugs, weapons, and violence-related offences,” says Chief Superintendent Dan Malo.