A Quebec judge has sentenced Timothy Assapa, a 34-year-old Inuk man, to 33 months in prison for assaulting his uncle, Sajuilie Assapa, with a metal bar in 2025.The attack left the uncle with severe head injuries, including a moderate traumatic brain injury and facial fractures.

Assapa pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon and aggravated assault, admitting to two incidents: one involving scissors in January 2025 and another with a metal bar in June 2025.The judge highlighted a pattern of violence, noting both attacks occurred while Assapa was intoxicated.

His lawyer argued for an 18-month sentence, citing remorse and childhood trauma, but the court emphasized the need for deterrence due to the severity of the injuries.

The sentencing also addressed discrepancies between the pre-sentence report and Gladue report, which consider Indigenous-specific factors like colonialism and residential schools.Assapa has a history of convictions, including assault and drug offenses.

The judge acknowledged systemic and personal hardships but warned of high recidivism risks if Assapa fails to address his alcoholism and violent tendencies.