Three British men have admitted to the murder of a restaurant owner in Canada after an alleged dispute over an unpaid bill. Sharif Rahman, a 44-year-old father, lost his life following a physical altercation with a British family in Owen Sound, located approximately 190km northwest of Toronto. Robert Evans Jr, 25, confessed to manslaughter, while his father, Robert Busby Evans, 49, and uncle, Barry Evans, 56, admitted to being accessories to the crime.
The victim, who owned The Curry House restaurant, passed away a week after a confrontation with the three men regarding an outstanding bill on August 17, 2023. The incident occurred outside the restaurant, where the British men reportedly punched Rahman following a dispute over a £79 ($150) meal bill. The assault caused Rahman to fall and hit his head on the pavement, resulting in a skull fracture and brain bleed. Despite being on life support for a week, Rahman tragically succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Robert Busby Evans and Barry Evans were sentenced to time served plus one day, which was served recently. They are now being prepared for extradition to Canadian authorities for repatriation to the UK. Justice Christopher Chorney highlighted the seriousness of the case, emphasizing the swift actions of the Evanses in leaving the country after the incident. The judge expressed that the resolution of the case brings closure to the community and spares the victim’s family further emotional distress from prolonged legal proceedings.
Robert Evans Jr’s sentencing is pending, with a proposed three-and-a-half-year prison term put forth by defense lawyers and authorities. The judge is set to deliver the final verdict on July 10. The men, believed to hail from Manchester, were in Canada on tourist visas at the time of the incident and returned to the UK shortly after. They were arrested in Edinburgh and Dalkeith, Scotland, before being extradited back to Canada to face trial.
