MEDIA RELEASE

York Regional Police

Deeds Speak

VAUGHAN MAN SENTENCED FOR HATE-RELATED THREAT

On Friday, December 11, 2009, a Vaughan man was sentenced to six months in custody, in addition to being given credit for six months time served, after he pleaded guilty in November to hate-related threats against another citizen.

The Honourable Mr. Justice Peter Tetley took into account victim impact statements given both by the 43-year-old victim and a member of the Canadian Jewish Congress.

Matthew VEERSASAMMY, 28, will also be on probation for three years following his release with conditions that include continuing cultural-sensitivity training and not possessing a weapon of any kind.

On September 11, 2009, Mr. VEERSASAMMY was walking two dogs in the Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue area in the City of Vaughan when, unprovoked, he began swearing, yelling and directing racial slurs at the victim, who was in the company of his 11-year-old son. He then produced a knife and threatened to kill the victim.

Mr. VEERSASAMMY pleaded guilty to Criminal Harassment, Assault with a Weapon and Possession of a Concealed Weapon on November 9, 2009. 

“These types of crimes not only hurt the community that has been targeted, they hurt us all,” said Chief Armand La Barge. “We must continue to work with our community partners like the Canadian Jewish Congress to eradicate hate in our community.”

York Regional Police will not tolerate hate crime in any form. Those who commit acts of violence, intimidation or vandalism directed to a particular group by reason of their race, religion, skin colour or sexual orientation will be arrested, charged and prosecuted.

For more information, contact Detective Sergeant John Sheldon at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7240. For information on what constitutes a hate crime, visit yrp.ca under Community Policing and click on Diversity and Cultural Resources.

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant John Sheldon

09-231851

December 15, 2009