A chance meeting between two Russian men in Torrance Barrens started off friendly enough but ended in a brutal assault and one of the men facing serious charges.
Recently in Bracebridge court, Farid Khasianov, 32, of Richmond Hill, pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing bodily harm.
Court heard that on July 19, 2020 a couple were visiting Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve in hopes of catching a glimpse of a comet. While there they encountered another couple, one of whom was Khasianiov. Both men realized the other was Russian, and they decided to have a drink together, court heard.
However, the victim grew increasingly uncomfortable with Khasianov and decided to leave around 3:15 a.m. A woman with Khasianov gave the victim a kiss on the cheek as they went to leave, which sent Khasianov into a rage. Court heard that Khasianov severely beat the victim, choking him at one point and causing the victim to suffer multiple bruises and lacerations that required stitches.
Other campers in the Reserve heard the commotion and called 911.
Court heard that Khasianov has a record for assault and other alcohol-related offences.
In passing his sentence Justice Edward Carlton labelled the incident a significant unprovoked attack.
Khasianov was ultimately sentenced to nine months of house arrest, nine months under curfew and an additional 18 months of probation.
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