Man who assaulted business rival in Alberta 'gas war' to spend another 36 days in jail

The following story contains graphic images of Geoff Shoesmith's injuries.

Anwar Kamaran was sentenced Tuesday to eight months in jail for attacking his main business rival in Walsh, Alta., in what the judge called a "commercial dispute."

Kamaran, 45, was given credit for the amount of time he's already spent in custody and will be released in 36 days.

Geoff Shoesmith, the victim in the assault, along with Crown prosecutor Jase Cowan requested a "banishment clause' to protect the Shoesmith family from Kamaran once he's released.

They proposed a five-kilometre no-go zone around the Shoesmith's home and business, which is located across the road from Kamaran's Walsh Save On Gas.

Provincial Court Judge Gordon Krinke said the order, which would have prevented Kamaran from attending his home and business in the tiny community, is "not appropriate."

"This would hinder, not assist, his rehabilitation," Krinke said while dismissing the request. 

Kamaran, dressed in blue inmate overalls, attended Tuesday's sentencing hearing in Medicine Hat provincial court via closed-circuit TV. 

He told the judge he understands that he will be under court order not to have any direct or indirect contact with the Shoesmith family.

The exact details of the no-contact order will be worked out before Kamaran's release next month. Those conditions will remain in effect for two years.

• 'Gas war' in small town Alberta turns violent

Kamaran, a one-time candidate for the provincial Liberal party, pled guilty to six charges in June, including assault causing bodily harm for the attack on Geoff Shoesmith and the assault on Geoff's son David.

He also pled guilty to uttering threats and breaching a no-contact order. 

Kamaran's attack on Shoesmith happened inside his rival's gas station and was captured on a security camera. 

Kamaran entered the store, ran behind the counter and punched Shoesmith in the head, knocking him unconscious. 

Shoesmith fell to the floor and was punched several more times, he remained unconscious for at least five minutes. 

Kamaran left the gas station after the attack and went to the Shoesmith residence, where he punched David Shoesmith in the face.

Geoff Shoesmith was hospitalized and still suffers lingering affects from the attack, including neck and shoulder pain and post-concussion related symptoms, the judge said.

Shoesmith's wife, Carol, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, has trouble sleeping, has nightmares and is "hyper-vigilant," Krinke said in his sentencing decision.

Kamaran's lawyer, Shaun Leochko, asked that the remaining 36 days in custody be served intermittently.  

The judge rejected that idea, saying the Shoesmiths need time to prepare for Kamaran's release since their request for the no-go banishment zone was dismissed.

"I want them to have some time to prepare, to do whatever they think is necessary to prepare themselves for the fact that there is going to be no banishment," said Krinke.

Bryan Labby is an enterprise reporter with CBC Calgary. If you have a good story idea or tip, you can reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @CBCBryan.