The Hamilton Spectator: City man gets six years for 'tragic' killing

Pubdate:April 26, 2008

By Erika Engel

George Gallo asked for compassion before he was given a
six-year sentence for killing one man and wounding another with
a knife in a drunken downtown brawl.

"This was a tragic event and, in the end, I
understand that I am responsible for his death," Gallo read
to the crowded courtroom from a folded paper.

The 25 year-old Hamilton native killed Ryan Milner, 22, and
injured Marko Duric in the Club 77 parking lot on
King William Street on Nov. 17, 2006.

Superior Court Justice Stephen Glithero said in his ruling there
were many words he could use to describe the situation
but chose three: "Tragic, heartbreaking, senseless."

Milner's father, brother and sister told the court how Milner's
death affected them.

"We had a special bond," said the father.

He went through a divorce when Milner was two and
in the difficult times remembers thinking, "No matter what, I
would have my boys."

Milner's older brother Derek, 26, said the 4 a.m. phone
call on the night of his little brother's death still
haunts him.

He struggled with alcohol abuse in the months after Ryan's
death.

"The person I turned to for help in time of
need is also the person I am mourning," Derek read.

Sister Leesa Brejak, 16, read a statement through tears.

"It's hard to see people I love in pain," she
read. "Now, it's a daily routine for me."

Assistant Crown Attorney Steven O'Brien, asked for a five-year sentence
on top of time already served, and noted the support
of Gallo's family would be good help in future rehabilitation.

Defence lawyer Nick White also said Gallo came from a
kind and caring family and had great hope for successful
rehabilitation.

White told the judge Gallo was in trade school to
become a welder at the time of his arrest and,
since he's been in custody, has spent time earning further
high school credits.

Gallo was given two years and eight months credit for
the time he has served, and must now spend three
years and four more months in jail for manslaughter and
aggravated assault.