BRAMPTON, ON — A Brampton man has been sentenced to life in prison for the attempted murder of his former partner’s five-year-old son, following what a judge described as an act of “merciless violence” carried out in July 2018.
Justice James Stribopoulos delivered the sentence to 35-year-old Dyon Smart, whose brutal attack left the child with life-threatening injuries, including a brain bleed, multiple fractures, broken ribs, and damage to internal organs. The court heard that Smart led the boy into a wooded area in the middle of the night and subjected him to a relentless beating, after an argument with his ex-girlfriend, identified in court as “Mrs. J.”
The child, referred to as “D,” survived the assault thanks to the swift response of first responders and was later treated at Brampton Civic Hospital. He endured a lengthy recovery that required extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Justice Stribopoulos called the crime “revenge on Mrs. J by killing the person she loved most in the world,” and noted that the severity of the injuries reflected the full extent of Smart’s violence.
Smart, who has a lengthy criminal record including violence, weapons offences, drug charges, and repeated breaches of court orders, was already under a bail condition at the time of the attack requiring him to live with a surety. Despite these restrictions, he continued to reside with Mrs. J and her son, in violation of court orders.
The sentencing on September 24 imposed not only a life term for attempted murder but also a lifetime weapons ban and a no-contact order with Mrs. J. Smart has been in custody since his arrest on the day of the assault.
The case has deeply shaken the Brampton community, with the court emphasizing the devastating impact on both the child and his family. While the young victim has shown remarkable resilience, the trauma of the attack will have lasting consequences for his health and wellbeing.