Ex-British soldier gets over 4 years in prison for manslaughter of Winnipeg man in Toronto bar

A former British soldier was sentenced on Tuesday to more than four years in prison for the manslaughter of a Winnipeg businessman in a Toronto bar in August 2023.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Katherine Corrick, in her reasons for the sentence, said what happened on Aug. 28, 2023 was not a bar fight but instead a "vicious assault with tragic consequences." 

Craig Gibson, 30, a former British corporal, struck Brett Sheffield, 38, three times in the head with his elbow after a verbal fight in the Locals Only bar on King Street West that night. Sheffield died in hospital two days later from a ruptured artery at the base of his brain.

According to the facts of the case, Gibson was in the bar during a stopover in Toronto while on his way home to England. In the bar, he met Sheffield who was on a business trip from Winnipeg.

Corrick said the two men were captured on video socializing and drinking copious amount of alcohol. Sheffield then bought cocaine from the bartender and openly shared it.

A dispute started when Sheffield held some cocaine up to Gibson's nose and ignored Gibson when he tried to speak to him. Corrick said Gibson, whom she described as "a strong and powerful man" struck Sheffield three times in the head and continued trying to strike him until he was pulled away by others.

Corrick said Sheffield was struck without warning and was in no position to defend himself. He was taken to hospital, where he died.

Gibson was convicted on Dec. 20, 2024 of manslaughter after a trial by jury. His defence of self-defence was rejected by the jury.

Gibson was dishonourably discharged from the British Army after being taken into custody. He had served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Kosovo during his career.

Corrick said it is impossible to capture the "profound sense of loss" of Sheffield's loved ones as described by their victim impact statements.

"Mr. Sheffield's loved ones mourn not only his loss, but they also mourn the future with him that has been denied them. They are left with scars that will never heal and lives that are forever diminished," she said.

"No sentence I impose on Mr. Gibson can ever compensate Mr. Sheffield's friends and family for their terrible loss."

The judge noted Gibson is profoundly remorseful for his actions and he apologized to Sheffield's family for the pain he has caused.

Corrick said in sentencing she considered that fact that Gibson will be serving his sentence in a foreign country far away from family and friends who will not be able visit regularly as they reside in England.