Robert “Bobby” Thomas pleaded guilty in October to second-degree murder. His sentencing hearing was held Monday in Saskatoon.
Holding an eagle feather and wearing a black bunnyhug with Megan Michelle Gallagher’s photo and the words “Murdered but not forgotten,” Brian Gallagher was one of many family members in the gallery of a Saskatoon King’s Bench courtroom on Monday.
Robert “Bobby” James Joseph Thomas, 29, sat in the prisoner’s box with his head down as victim impact statements were read during his sentencing hearing.
Justice Daryl Labach imposed a publication ban on the entire proceeding — including the facts of the case, sentencing arguments and victim impact statements — citing a concern for trial fairness for four co-accused who are still before the court.
Brian and his wife Deb provided an emailed statement after Thomas’s guilty plea in October.
“Even though it was difficult to hear, it did help us after four long years, to hear and see him in person plead guilty to causing the death of Megan. It was an admission of guilt from his own mouth, no more game playing, or dragging it out, so I guess it just eases our souls and spirits a bit.
“These crimes reach so deep into our community, it’s alarming. Even watching (Thomas’s) mother and family crying in court put into perspective how deep it truly goes, and had a huge impact on us. There are absolutely no winners and everyone suffers far and wide from these inhumane acts of violence.”
Second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence, but parole eligibility can be set between 10 and 25 years.
Labach adjourned his sentencing decision to Dec. 6.
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