John Brittain is escorted by sheriffs into the Penticton courthouse, Tuesday, April 16, 2019.

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

The lawyer for John Brittain's ex-wife released a statement now that he has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of four people in Penticton.

Brittain was sentenced to life in prison, Oct. 15, with no chance of parole for 25 years, after pleading guilty to three counts of first degree murder and one count of second degree murder. The shootings happened on April 15, 2019, in Penticton during a 45 minute killing spree. All of them were somehow involved in a neighbourhood dispute with Katherine Brittain, his ex-wife.

Katherine's lawyer, Michael Welsh, issued a statement on her behalf today, Oct. 16, saying now that the court proceedings are complete, it is appropriate for her to speak. He said she asked to release the statement, having yet to comment publicly on the case.

READ MORE: 'I see these images in my head and they will torment me for the rest of my life,' Penticton mass murderer tells court

At the request of her lawyer, iNFOnews.ca has included the statement in its entirety:

PUBLIC STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF KATHERINE BRITTAIN

Ms. Brittain remains shocked and saddened by the actions of John Brittain, whom she divorced in January 2014.

Despite groundless rumours, she wishes the community to know that she never wished any harm to any of the deceased victims.

She had no prior knowledge that Mr. Brittain intended to kill anyone, and never suggested that he do so. She was and remains devastated and appalled by these killings.

The problems she had reported to the City of Penticton of two neighbours violating city bylaws were ones she was dealing with through proper channels with the city.

She never wanted Mr. Brittain to be involved, and never imagined he could act as he did.

Mr. Brittain’s actions destroyed the lives of the families of the victims, and Ms. Brittain’s own life.

She cannot fathom how he could ever believe that, in taking these lives, he was somehow helping her. That he did so, thinking he was acting on her behalf, is a burden she will carry her whole life.

The judge at his sentencing hearing this week stated she accepted as fact that no one, which includes Ms. Brittain, had any idea that Mr. Brittain would do what he did.

As was acknowledged by Mr. Brittain in court, my client is also a victim of his actions. She has been terrorized, and her property has been significantly vandalized as a result of blame for his actions being baselessly attached to her.

She only hopes that with Mr. Brittain taking proper responsibility for his actions, and the court sentencing him appropriately, the Penticton community can begin to heal and that people, particularly the families of the victims with whom she deeply sympathizes, will accept that she had no part in his horrific actions.

Michael Welsh, lawyer for Katherine Brittain

Find past stories on the John Brittain case here.

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