Four years after surviving a violent assault by Richard Mantha and escaping, Aimee Ert has decided to publicly share her story for the first time. At Mantha’s sentencing hearing, a publication ban protecting Ert’s identity was lifted, allowing her to speak out. Ert expressed her desire to use her experience to advocate for others.
Having previously testified that she was drugged, choked, and sexually assaulted after accompanying Mantha to his property near Calgary, Ert managed to flee from his trailer located in a Quonset building and ran through fields. Reflecting on her escape, she recalled a moment of inner strength that motivated her to fight for her life.
Mantha, aged 62, was found guilty of six offenses in April, including sexually assaulting three women, drugging one, suffocating another, and threatening a fourth. Originally facing 20 charges involving seven women, many of whom were vulnerable sex workers with addiction issues, Mantha’s sentencing recommendation ranged from 5 to 13 years.
During the hearing, Ert, addressing Mantha directly, read aloud two victim impact statements she had written at different stages of her recovery. Despite forgiving Mantha for herself, she emphasized that she would never forget his actions. Ert expressed her commitment to recovery and transformation from being a victim to a survivor, aiming to inspire others facing similar challenges.
As Mantha, now suffering from health issues that have impacted his ability to communicate, tried to deliver a statement in court, Ert highlighted the contrast between his past actions and his current state. Regardless of the outcome of his sentencing, Ert emphasized the importance of justice being served and hoped that Mantha would receive the necessary support.
Justice Judith Shriar is set to announce Mantha’s fate on September 17, allowing time for the defense to present his statement in writing due to his communication difficulties during the hearing.