Three men plead guilty in death of Owen Sound restaurant owner Sharif Rahman

Robert Evans Jr., his father Robert Sr., and uncle Barry Evans have pleaded guilty for their roles in the killing of Sharif Rahman, the Owen Sound, Ont., restaurant owner who died trying to stop Evans from skipping out on a bill in August 2023.

Evans Jr., also known as Michael Jones, was 23 at the time.

He admitted to punching Rahman outside his restaurant, The Curry House, after Rahman confronted Evans and his group, who were attempting to dine and dash.

The single punch knocked Rahman to the ground, where his head struck the sidewalk. He died in hospital days later from a fractured skull and brain bleed. Rahman is survived by his wife and young daughter.

Evans Jr. personally read his letter to the court in which he apologized to the family of Sharif Rahman, the court and the community. “I am sickened by the damage I have caused,” adding, “I didn’t mean for him to die; this never should have happened. I pray every day for his family... I understand if I am never forgiven.”

As part of an agreed statement of facts read by the Crown, Evans Jr. was helped by his uncle, Barry Evans, to flee the scene.

Evans Sr., who also goes by the alias Justin Jones, had a plane ticket purchased for his son to fly back to the U.K. hours later.

After helping his nephew escape, Barry Evans admitted to returning to their motel in town to erase any records that they were renting a room in the area.

The plea deal, which included a joint submission from the Crown and defence, resulted in Robert Sr. and Barry Evans receiving time served, prompting their return to the U.K.

Robert Evans Jr. will have to wait until July to learn his fate, but he is expected to be sentenced to 42 months in prison, less time served in pre-sentence custody, leaving him with about eight more months to serve before he is deported.

If the judge agrees with the joint submissions for Evans Sr. and Barry Evans, who are both on an immigration hold, they will likely be deported back to the U.K. in the coming days.

RELATED STORIES:

• Owen Sound restaurateur Sharif Rahman dies after brutal attack
• Suspects in Sharif Rahman’s homicide case urged to surrender
• Police renew appeal for tips in Sharif Rahman homicide investigation
• Owen Sound restaurateur Sharif Rahman dies after brutal attack
• Hundreds attend vigil for Owen Sound man violently attacked outside his restaurant
• Suspects in Sharif Rahman’s homicide case urged to surrender
• Owen Sound implements surveillance pilot project after business owner’s fatal assault
• Police renew appeal for tips in Sharif Rahman homicide investigation