A Calgary man responsible for a hateful graffiti spree last December targeting Muslims and Syrian refugees says he’s ashamed of his actions.
“It was ignorant, hurtful, and reckless behaviour,” Kyle MacKenzie said at his sentencing hearing Wednesday.
Scroll down to read three letters MacKenzie read in court
The 29-year-old pleaded guilty to mischief and inciting hatred in March.
The words “F—k Muslim Goofs, “f—k Syria”, “f—k Syrian ‘refs’’, and “kill Muslims” were spray painted on Tuscany LRT station and vehicles at the CTrain parking lot on Dec. 3, 2015.
MacKenzie admitted to spray painting the messages about Muslims and Syrians while his co-accused Miguel Lavergne stood watch.
MacKenzie offered his “deepest apologies” to the Muslim and Syrian communities but said he’s now a changed man.
“I’ve let Jesus into my life. I no longer feel hate towards other races,” he said, encouraging others to turn to Christianity.
“I plan to spread the word of the Lord.”
In a confession to police after his arrest, MacKenzie said the November Paris terrorist attacks and his hate for ISIS spurred his crime.
“I am glad that it made the media as I want to be famous for something and I wanted to come to jail for the winter,” MacKenzie told police.
MacKenzie has also admitted to breaching his probation when the graffiti spree happened.
READ MORE: Spirit of Calgary lives on, despite hateful graffiti spree
The prosecution is asking for 18 months in jail, after enhanced credit for time already served that would leave another nine months to serve.
The Crown is also asking for the sentence to be followed by two to three years of probation and community service.
The defence is asking for time served plus three months for the breach of probation charge.
Justice Allan Fradsham said “this is a difficult matter” and is choosing to take some time before passing judgment in the case.
A written decision will be handed down July 15.
Lavergne, co-accused in the case, faces six charges of committing mischief but the prosecution said they will likely be withdrawn.
MacKenzie told court Wednesday he took advantage of Lavergne, and that Lavergne was not responsible for the graffiti.
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