Man who shot bike shop boss gets 18 years

‘UNPROVOKED’

Yaletown and shot him in the chest at point-blank range.

After the encounter with Dragan, Battersby engaged in a shootout with two plainclothes police officers who happened to be nearby.

He then fled on his bicycle to Science World, where he was shot during a second confrontation with Vancouver police.

The judge said Battersby’s actions amounted to a “violent, unprovoked and unexpected attack” on Dragan and put the lives of police officers at risk.

“The acts were exceedingly violent. However, the acts were not committed in the heat of the moment. Mr. Battersby invested a considerable amount of time in planning and preparation in his attempt to kill Mr. Dragan.

“If he had succeeded, he would undoubtedly have faced a first-degree murder charge.”

Battersby, who pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder and two firearms offences in connection with the shooting, had little reaction to the sentence as he sat in the prisoner’s dock in court.

Dragan, the owner of Reckless Bike Stores, said outside court that he was relieved the case was over and “very pleased” that the judge accepted the joint submission.

He told reporters he was also relieved for the public because he believed Battersby was a “dangerous” man and shouldn’t be on the streets.

“I think justice has been done. I’m happy with the sentence. It closes a chapter in our lives and allows us to move forward.”

Dragan, who went into cardiac arrest after being shot and lost three-quarters of his blood, said he remains fearful of Battersby and was glad that in addition to the sentence, the judge ordered that the accused have no contact with the victim or his family.

He said he was “extremely proud” and grateful of the actions of police and was also grateful to the medical and justice systems.

Crown counsel Hank Reiner said he was also pleased the judge accepted the joint submission.

“I know we have gang violence, but to have some random aggrieved person just start shooting people and getting in gun battles with police, that just doesn’t happen in Vancouver.”

Brock Martland, a lawyer for Battersby, said it was a “very difficult” case and a lot of work went into reaching the joint submission.

He said he didn’t have too much to say on behalf of his client, but added it was a “good thing” to have the process come to a conclusion.