Two top Hells Angels bosses from Ontario were each sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison for their roles in Quebec's bloody biker war.
Walter Stadnick, 51, and Donald Stockford, 42, both of Hamilton, Ont., were convicted in June of five charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, drug trafficking and gangsterism.
The two sat motionless in Quebec Superior Court as Mr. Justice Jerry Zigman read his sentence for nearly 30 minutes.
"[They]are hardened criminals who show little or no hope of being able to straighten out their lives and cease participating in criminal activities," Judge Zigman said. "They are violent people who are a danger to society. They have expressed no remorse for their the acts."
Mr. Stadnick and Mr. Stockford were among the last to face trial of those arrested in a police sweep in 2001. Mr. Stadnick was earlier acquitted of 13 first-degree murder charges and three of attempted murder.
Thirty-two other Hells Angels associates and members have been convicted. Mr. Stadnick and Mr. Stockford were part of the elite Nomads chapter in Montreal.
Counting the time he already has served, Mr. Stadnick has 13 years left in his sentence; Mr. Stockford has about 13½ years left. They must serve at least half their remaining sentences before they are eligible for parole; however, similar cases suggest they will likely serve two-thirds of the time. That means Mr. Stadnick and Mr. Stockford will have spent at least a decade behind bars before they can be released.
Crown prosecutor Randall Richmond welcomed the sentences as vindication of police efforts that have resulted in 109 convictions.
"The sentences that were given today -- 20 years for both accused -- are among the heaviest given to any people," he told reporters outside the courtroom.
"They are similar to sentences given to other Hells Angels Nomads who were convicted and sentenced, so we are very, very pleased with the results today."
Mr. Richmond had sought 24-year sentences. Defence lawyer Maureen McGuire had suggested terms of between 13 and 15 years for each man.
Financial records taken from the Hells Angels' drug-trafficking accounts showed that in 2000, Mr. Stockford and Mr. Stadnick spent more than $11-million to purchase cocaine and hashish as part of a drug consortium called La Table. Money went through an account code-named Gertrude.
The Crown is also seeking fines of $11-million, believed to be the largest in Canadian history, along with forfeiture of three cars, $34,000 in cash and a portion of the value of each man's Ontario residence.