The man convicted of torturing a dog and cat to death in early 2014 will have to wait a little longer for his sentence, as a Calgary court said it will need to wait for an assessment to be completed.
Nicolino Camardi appeared in court on Thursday to learn how much time he will spend in jail for his crime, but the judge presiding over the case said more time would be needed.
In December 2014, the court ordered Camardi to undergo a psychiatric evaluation so the court could learn more about his likelihood to reoffend. Crown prosecutor Gord Haight said at the time that the greater the risk revealed during that assessment, the bigger effect it would have on his sentencing.
That assessment is still not complete and the court will be needing more time for it to be done.
Earlier in December, Camardi pled guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary pain to animals.
On January 9, 2014, a Siberian husky was found dead in an alleyway in the 200 block of 99 Avenue S.E. The dog’s muzzle was taped shut and a veterinarian who examined the remains determined it died of starvation.
About a week later, the Humane Society was notified about a black and white domestic short haired cat found in the same alley in a similar condition.
The nine-month-old kitten’s mouth and face were covered with painter’s tape. A veterinarian said that animal died of asphyxia and strangulation, but also suffered multiple traumatic injuries to the head, tail, and hind limbs.
Investigators say the animals were sourced from Kijiji about three months before they were found dead.
Camardi was arrested and charged in May 2014.
His defence says these types of offences usually carry a sentence of nine to 18 months.
Camardi is expected back in court on March 23. He has been in custody since his arrest.
