Alberta Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Assaults on Vulnerable Women

An Alberta man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of sexual assaults against vulnerable women at a rural property near Calgary.

Richard Robert Mantha, 62, was convicted of six offences, including drugging one of his victims, in incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2023. He was also found guilty of uttering threats against another woman.

The court heard that most of the victims worked in the sex trade.

Justice Judith Shriar said Mantha showed “callous disrespect” when he laughed as one terrified victim fled his rural property, fearing for her life.

Mantha received credit for five years and three months already spent in custody, leaving him with just under seven years remaining on his sentence.

The Crown had sought a sentence of 10 to 13 years, while the defence recommended five to seven years.

The trial began in January 2024 but faced lengthy delays after Mantha dismissed previous lawyers and suffered a stroke.

One victim, Aimee Ert, who successfully asked the court to lift a publication ban on her name, testified that Mantha drugged, choked and sexually assaulted her after she agreed to go with him to his acreage. She managed to escape and ran from the property partially clothed.

At a sentencing hearing last month, Ert said she forgives Mantha and hopes he receives the help he needs, while adding that she will never forget what happened to her.