Jury in Banff stabbing case finds accused guilty of manslaughter not murder

A man on trial for second-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing in Banff has been found guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter. 

John Sproule, 23, was originally charged with second-degree murder in the September 2022 death of Ryden Brogden, 27.

Jurors began deliberating Tuesday afternoon and returned with the verdict Wednesday at 9 p.m.

Justice Johanna Price will hear sentencing arguments at a later date. 

• Man on trial for Banff murder says he was acting in self-defence

Sproule admitted to fatally stabbing Brogden but maintained he was acting in self-defence. 

The weekend of the stabbing, Sproule was in Banff with his family and was out bar-hopping with his brother. 

Brogden had stopped in the mountain town with his friend, en route to a fishing trip in B.C. The friends were also bar-hopping. 

• Closing arguments take place in Banff stabbing trial

While outside the Dancing Sasquatch, Sproule asked to bum a cigarette from Brogden.

According to Sproule, Brogden told him to "f–k off" and then pushed and suckerpunched him. 

'A knife...in a fist fight'

Sproule testified that Brogden "ragdolled" him down the street, throwing punches and pulling his shirt over his face. 

When he was pinned up against a picnic table, Sproule says he pulled out his work knife and began swinging and stabbing at Brogden.

The defence filed photos showing a number of injuries to Sproule's face. 

Defence lawyers Cory Wilson and Matt Browne argued their client was "violently and brutally attacked" by Brogden.

Prosecutors Kaitlyn Perrin and Mykel Long argued that Sproule's response to the initial conflict was "not reasonable" and said that he "took a knife out and used it in a fist fight."

The victim suffered 19 stab and slash wounds.