Crown seeking life for letter-bomber who cost lawyer her hand

WINNIPEG — The Crown is seeking a life sentence for a Manitoba man convicted of sending bombs to his ex-wife and two lawyers.

Crown attorney Chris Vanderhooft made the request at a sentencing hearing for Guido Amsel, who was convicted on four charges of attempted murder and other offences.

Vanderhooft says Amsel should be given a life sentence with no parole eligibility for 10 years for letter bombs he sent to his former wife and two lawyers who had represented her in 2015.

Vanderhooft also says Amsel should get a 15-year sentence for a bomb left outside his ex-wife’s home in 2013. That explosive went off without injury.

Police detonated two of the 2015 bombs safely, but the other one exploded at the law office of Maria Mitousis, resulting in the loss of her right hand and other severe injuries.

Amsel testified during his trial that evidence had been planted.

Vanderhooft told a sentencing hearing Wednesday that Amsel has not accepted responsibility for his actions, and emailed Manitoba’s attorney general, alleging that even the judge hearing the case was out to get him.

“He continues on with these type of conspiracy theories,” Vanderhooft told provincial court judge Tracey Lord.

“He blames his lawyers. He blames the Crown. He blames Your Honour.”