Yaletown shooter sentenced to 18 years in prison

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Yaletown shooter has been sentenced to 18 years for trying to kill his former boss and then getting into a gunfight with police.

Paul Dragan, owner of the Reckless bike store outside of which this attack happened in 2014, is relieved with this sentence.

“It’s the end of a long process for myself and my family,” says Dragan. “Very pleased with the decision that the judge upheld, the joint submission that was made by the Crown and defense.”

But Dragan admits he still has long-term worries about Gerald Battersby, who pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder and firearms-related crimes.

“We’re concerned,” says Dragan. “He showed no remorse at any point in time. He had ample opportunity to speak and show remorse. So yeah, I’m afraid. Because if the guy gets out and he has unfinished business, well I’m the unfinished business.”

When you factor in time served, Battersby will spend a further 14-and-a-half years behind bars.

As part of his sentence, he’s been told never to contact the Dragan family or anyone connected with the bike shop.

During court, the judge recounted the remarkable circumstances which helped Dragan to survive the attack.

As Battersby pulled out his gun, an unmarked police car was driving by, with the officers jumping out and ordering him to put it down. A gunfight ensued after Battersby shot Dragan.

The presence of police restricted to Battersby only hitting Dragan once — another fortuitous part of this was that an emergency room doctor witnessed the attack and immediately provided effective first aid.

Following this sentencing hearing, Dragan expressed his thanks to police and all the medical staff which helped him through his initial treatment and recovery.

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