*UPDATE June 2: Friday’s hearing was adjourned and sentencing for Kyle Charles Ashton will continue in Edmonton on June 9 at 9 a.m.
A young man found guilty of manslaughter for fatally assaulting his friend outside a Whyte Avenue bar two-and-a-half years ago will be sentenced on Friday.
Two months ago, an Edmonton judge found Kyle Charles Ashton guilty in the incident that left his friend Raad Hamza dead.
READ MORE: Man found guilty of manslaughter in fatal 2014 Whyte Avenue attack
In December 2014, Ashton and Hamza, 24, were hanging out at The Billiard Club on 105 Street after having arrived separately with their own groups of friends. The pair had known each other for years.
In one incident caught on surveillance video, Hamza was seen getting agitated on the dance floor of The Billiard Club; Ashton could be seen pulling him away from people, trying to settle him down.
In another surveillance video, Ashton was seen putting his arm around Hamza and the two engaging in conversation. Hamza pushed Ashton a couple times in the upper chest and Ashton punched Hamza, who fell to the ground.
READ MORE: Man charged with manslaughter in fatal Whyte Avenue assault
Hamza lost consciousness after the blow and later died in hospital from head trauma. Hamza’s death was Edmonton’s 27th homicide of 2014.
The judge concluded Ashton punched Hamza with enough force to break the bones in his face and for him to fall to the ground.
READ MORE: Whyte Ave attack ruled a homicide
More to come…
— With files from Julia Wong, Global News
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