Alyse Kotyk
CTVNewsVancouver.ca
Journalist
A man who assaulted a SkyTrain attendant in 2021 has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to Metro Vancouver Transit Police. Howard Geddes Skelding, 45, was convicted on May 2 of assault causing bodily harm and forcible confinement, related to an incident on July 25, 2021.
On that day, Skelding attacked a SkyTrain attendant at Braid Station. Investigators said that as the attendant was exiting a room, Skelding pushed her inside and violently attacked her. The attendant fought back bravely, managed to call for help, and successfully escaped. Skelding was apprehended at the scene by responding officers.
“We commend the SkyTrain attendant for her bravery and strength in confronting her attacker during such a harrowing ordeal, as well as for her courage in facing him in court,” said Const. Amanda Steed in a statement. “We also extend our thanks to Crown counsel for their hard work, which resulted in this significant sentence.”
At the time of his arrest, Skelding was already well known to police, with previous warnings issued by both Vancouver police and Surrey RCMP in 2020 regarding his status as a high-risk sex offender. Transit police spokesperson Sgt. Clint Hampton confirmed that Skelding was the individual referred to in those warnings.
This case highlights the importance of public safety and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in securing justice.
