Dalry soldier charged with second degree murder in Canada

Corporal Craig Gibson, 28, is accused of attacking Canadian Brett Sheffield in Toronto in August.

The 38-year-old man was taken to hospital but never regained consciousness and died two days later.

Court documents claim Cpl Gibson struck Sheffield once “with an elbow to the upper jaw which ultimately caused the victim to be rendered unconscious”.

Cpl Gibson was arrested on August 28 on suspicion of aggravated assault and later charged with second degree murder after Sheffield died in hospital.

The Dalry man, who served in Iraq, was in Canada as part of a military exercise. He had been drinking with a comrade from 4 Scots, the Highlanders, when the fight broke out in a bar called Locals Only in Toronto’s Entertainment District.

Cpl Gibson appeared in a Toronto bail court last month, where he was charged with second-degree murder.

Victim Brett Sheffield (Image: Toronto Police)

A British Army spokesperson said: “We can confirm a British soldier has been arrested by the Toronto Police, following an incident in Toronto, Canada.

 "Our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this time.

"As the matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Canadian authorities, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

The victim's colleagues at NextGen Drainage, a company he founded, said: "Brett Sheffield passed away on August 30 due to a random act of violence.

"His absence is felt deeply across the community, our company, and his vast network of friends and colleagues.

"Brett’s passion for helping every person feel valued and cared for, will continue to motivate us."