Four years after surviving a violent assault by Richard Mantha and escaping, Aimee Ert has decided to publicly share her story for the first time. At Mantha’s recent sentencing, the publication ban protecting Ert’s identity was lifted. Ert expressed her desire to be transparent about her experience to help others facing similar situations.
Ert recounted how she was drugged, choked, and sexually assaulted by Mantha after accompanying him to his property near Calgary. She managed to flee from his trailer located in a Quonset and ran across fields to safety. Reflecting on her ordeal, Ert emphasized the inner strength that drove her to fight for her life and survive.
Mantha, aged 62, was convicted of multiple offenses in April, including sexually assaulting three women and threatening another. Originally facing charges involving seven women, many of whom were vulnerable individuals with addiction problems, Mantha’s crimes were brought to light during the trial.
During the sentencing hearing, Crown prosecutor Dominique Mathurin recommended a prison term of 10 to 13 years for Mantha, while defense lawyer Justin Dean argued for a lesser sentence of five to seven years. The court is awaiting Justice Judith Shriar’s decision on Mantha’s fate, expected to be announced on September 17.
In a powerful statement delivered in court, Ert expressed forgiveness towards Mantha for her own healing but emphasized that she would never forget the trauma he caused. She asserted her identity as a survivor rather than a victim, highlighting her ongoing journey of recovery from addiction and the challenges she has faced in the aftermath of the attack.
Despite the impact of the assault on her life, Ert expressed empathy for Mantha’s current state, as a stroke has left him incapacitated. She stressed the importance of justice being served and hoped that he would receive the necessary support while serving his sentence. Ert also aimed to inspire others facing adversity by sharing her story of resilience and survival.