Man who stabbed Good Samaritan to death sentenced to 6 years in prison

A man whostabbed a stranger to death in front ofonlookers in Vancouver's entertainment district has been sentenced to six yearsin prison plus two years probationafter pleading guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter.

Kenneth BrysonWilliams was originally convicted of second-degree murder in November 2016 and handed a life sentence with no chance ofparole for 10 yearsbut the conviction was overturned in February.

The B.C. Court of Appealordered a new trial after finding the original trial court judge had inadequately answered a question from the jury, amounting to a miscarriage of justice.

Williams' defence lawyertold B.C. Supreme Court Justice ArneSilvermana maximum prison sentence of five years would be appropriate for the manslaughter plea.

Williams apologized to Smith's family in the courtroom in a prepared statement after making his plea and before he wassentenced.

"I understand that the family and friends are forever in pain due to my actions and that there is no apology that will suffice for the pain I caused," said Williams,dressed in a red prison sweatsuit.

"I will never forget this or forgive myself for what I have done and this will be something I regret for the rest of my life."

History of alcoholism

Court heard that Williams' history of alcoholism was a "significant factor" in the deadly altercationand said Williams' young age at the time of the offence and absence of a criminal record were mitigatingfactors.

The lawyer added that Williams' guilty plea and "extremely remorseful" view should also factor into his sentence.

During his original trial, Williamsmounted a defence based on the level of his intoxication. Court heard Williams had run up a sizeable bar taband was headed to a liquor store to get more before the incident.

Silvermansentenced Williams totwo years probation plus six years in prison. Prosecutors sayhe hasalready servedthe equivalent of six years and seven months. As a result, theysay Williams willspend one more day in jail before beginning his probation.

Williams was drunkwhen he stabbedRobert Tyson Smith to death after a fight broke out between them on Granville Streetin February 2014.

Smith had gotten out of hiscab and tried to intervene in a fight that broke out in February 2014 between the driver and Williams after Williams hit or kicked the vehicle while walking down the street.

Williams, then 23,stabbed Smith in the chest and shoulder in the ensuing fight. Smith, 28,died of his injuries.