A court in Scotland has decided that two individuals linked to the death of a restaurant owner in Owen Sound, Ontario, should be considered for extradition to Canada. The incident took place on August 17, 2023, outside The Curry House, where Sharif Rahman was assaulted after confronting three men over an unpaid bill of $150. Rahman, a 44-year-old family man, passed away a week later in a hospital in London, Ontario.
The accused, who are relatives, have attended multiple hearings in Edinburgh following the charges laid against them by the Ontario Provincial Police in December. Robert Evans, aged 24, is facing a manslaughter charge, while his father, Robert Busby Evans, aged 47, and uncle, Barry Evans, aged 54, are charged as accessories after the fact.
During a recent appearance in Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Julius Komorowski delivered a crucial legal ruling regarding the extradition of Robert Evans Sr. and Barry Evans. The charge of manslaughter in Canada aligns with the Scottish charge of culpable homicide, making Robert Evans Jr.’s extradition process straightforward. However, the court must ascertain if the alleged offense in Canada would also be considered a crime under Scottish law to approve the extradition of Robert Evans Sr. and Barry Evans.
The court determined that the actions of both men would constitute an offense in Scottish law, punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 12 months if committed in Scotland. Additionally, the court is awaiting reports from Canadian authorities regarding the conditions in local jails. The defense counsel argued that the poor conditions in Ontario jails would violate the human rights of the accused if they were sent back to Canada.
The extradition hearing, originally set for August 14, has been rescheduled to October 20 due to the pending reports. The court had previously shared exclusive documents prepared by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Crown with CBC News. Canadian authorities have declined to disclose these details to the public. The documents revealed that the men belonged to an Irish Traveller community near Manchester, England, and had been in Owen Sound for an extended period before the incident.
Robert Evans Sr. was reportedly working in the area despite being on a visitor visa that prohibited employment, while Robert Evans Jr. allegedly used a false name on his passport. The altercation at The Curry House on August 17, 2023, led to Rahman’s tragic death, with witnesses recounting the events that unfolded. Another relative, Robert Justin Evans, was also present during the altercation but has not been charged.
Following the incident, the three men reportedly fled to Collingwood, Ontario, with Barry Evans instructing his nephew to run before driving off in a grey SUV to pick him up. Cellphone records showed a series of calls made to Robert Evans Sr. by the men after the assault. The senior Evans swiftly left the hotel where he was staying with his brother, Barry, and arranged for his son’s departure to Manchester.
Court documents related to the case remain sealed, with a request for a judicial review by CBC News pending since mid-March.