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Gang leader files civil suit

Convicted Vernon murderer Peter Manolakos suing government and inmate for violent prison assault
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A convicted Vernon murderer who was attacked while in prison by another inmate has filed a civil suit. - Image Credit: AP file photo

A convicted Vernon murderer has filed a civil suit in B.C. Supreme Court over an alleged assault while incarcerated.

The suit on behalf of Peter Manolakos was filed Feb. 28 by a lawyer from a Vancouver firm.

Manolakos is suing the federal government and an inmate for a violent assault in Manolakos’ cell on March 5, 2015.

The nature of claim reads that on that day, Manolakos, while alone in his cell at a federal institution, was “randomly attacked and physically assaulted” by another inmate who snuck into his cell at breakfast.

The attack, says the claim, “was unprovoked.” Manolakos was stabbed numerous times with a sharp object to numerous parts of his body.

As a result of the incident, Manolakos was hospitalized and suffered “serious physical, emotional and psychological injury.” Manolakos said he suffered head and eye injuries, broken teeth, neck, jaw and upper back injuries, headaches, dizziness, memory loss and anxiety.

The statement says the government “knew the defendant was a specific risk to other inmates” and knew the inmate “routinely fashioned and possessed ‘shanks,’ and that on several occasions used those weapons to assault other inmates.”

The defendants are being sued for damages including pain, suffering, loss of amenities, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of opportunity to earn income, future income and future earning capacity, as well as future cost of care.

Manolakos was the acknowledged leader and one of five members of an organized crime outfit, called The Greeks by police, convicted in a string of North Okanagan killings in 2004 and 2005.

Manolakos was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years for first-degree murder in connection with the death of Ronald Thom in 2005.

He was given 15 years for manslaughter, to be served concurrent, in connection with the 2004 death of David Marniuk.



Roger Knox

About the Author: Roger Knox

I am a journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. I started my career in radio and have spent the last 21 years working with Black Press Media.
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