Man Sentenced in Perth-Andover Stabbing of Maritime Bus Driver

A 28-year-old man who stabbed a Maritime Bus driver numerous times on a bus in Perth-Andover has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Ryan Jason Hickey of Moncton was sentenced Friday in Grand Falls provincial court. Hickey has been in custody since the attack on April 10, 2013.

The victim, Donald Jaillet, was driving the route from Moncton to Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec when he was attacked by one of his passengers.  Jaillet was stabbed repeatedly as he pulled the bus into a stop at the Perth-Andover. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Jaillet has required at least four operations, and finally was able to return to work earlier this year.

Hickey originally pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and aggravated assault, but changed his plea last month to guilty of aggravated assault, and the Crown withdrew the attempted murder charge.

The six-year prison sentence includes time already served. Hickey is also prohibited from possessing any weapons for life.