Vakhtang Makhniashvili, father of Missing girl Mariam Makhniashvili, 17, addresses a news conference after the girl's backpack was found, in Toronto October 9, 2009.The Globe and Mail/J.P. MOCZULSKI
The father of missing Toronto teen Mariam Makhniashvili has been sentenced to six years for aggravated assault.
Vakhtang Makhniashvili, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to three counts of aggravated assault, will serve four years and 11 months after time served is taken into account.
The charges followed two separate stabbing incidents last year, one involving a neighbour and the other a couple who had posted his bail.
Mariam Makhniashvili vanished in September, 2009, when she was 17, and the only clue ever found was her backpack.
Defence lawyer Calvin Barry says the court took into account that Mr. Makhniashvili was suffering from mental health issues following his daughter's disappearance.
"He had a delusional disorder that explained away at least some of what happened," Mr. Barry said outside court.
"Not enough for an acquittal or not guilty, but enough for some compassion on a rehabilitative ground, you know, 'Forgive me God for I know not what I do' type of scenario."
Mr. Barry added that his client was prepared for the sentence.
"He knew that he had to pay the piper – that there had to be a sentence meted out."
Meanwhile, a police spokeswoman says investigators are looking into a reported sighting of Mariam earlier this week in Toronto.
Constable Wendy Drummond says police are going through surveillance video but can't confirm it was the missing teen.
Constable Drummond says police are constantly getting tips in the case and encourage the public to report any possible sightings of Mariam.