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Sylvan Lake man sentenced to six years for choking his wife

Satnam Singh Sandhu pleaded guilty to manslaughter
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Satnam Singh Sandhu, 42, was sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter on Friday in Red Deer Court of Queens Bench. (File photo by Advocate staff)

A Sylvan Lake man received a six-year prison sentence for strangling his wife during an argument at their home in 2019.

Satnam Singh Sandhu, 42, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and was given 803 days credit for pre-trial custody, has 1,389 days left to serve on his sentence.

During the altercation on Sept. 11, 2019, Satnam choked his wife, Kulvinder Sandhu, 36, until she was unconscious and then pushed her. When she fell, she hit her head on a heater.

Satnam called 911 and told them he had killed his wife.

She was declared brain dead two days later and taken off life support the following day.

The court heard earlier that Kulvinder began the altercation when she grabbed her husband by the neck during an argument over $1,000 he had spent on a friend. At one point, she tried to hit him with a frying pan but the handle broke. Both had their hands on each other’s neck shortly before she lost consciousness.

Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Anne Kirker said she recognized that the tragic event started when Kulvinder put her hands around her husband’s neck and continued to be physically aggressive. But he must have been aware of the substantial force he used while choking her. He did not help her when she lost consciousness and pushed her instead, causing her to hit her head.

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Updated: Sylvan Lake man pleads guilty to manslaughter for strangling wife in 2019

Sylvan Lake man accused of killing his wife

She said the crime has left the couple’s 15-year-old son fearful and afraid to have contact with his father. It’s hard for him to concentrate on school or sports.

“Mr Sandhu’s offence has had a profound effect on his child. His mother was always there for him. He says nothing feels the same,” Kirker said.

Satnam is prohibited from communicating with his son and members of Kulvinder’s family.

Crown prosecutor Bruce Ritter was seeking a seven to 12-year sentence, while defence lawyer Dan Murphy wanted four years.

“This is a longer sentence than you asked for, but less than Mr. Ritter advocated for the Crown,” Kirker told Satnam.

“I sincerely hope you will be able to use your time in custody constructively.”



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