Vaughan
May 12, 2008 03:18 PM
By: Joe Fantauzzi, Staff Writer
Sentencing of a former Bandidos Motorcycle Club member who pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month has been delayed.
Security was tight as the family of Francesco (Cisco) Lenti, 60, of Vaughan, media and police officers filed into courtroom 403 in Newmarket just after 9:30 a.m. Monday.
Armed York Regional Police tactical officers stood watch as special constables asked each person to identify themselves and empty their pockets before they were granted access to the courtroom.
After Mr. Lenti, who appeared wearing a black shirt and black pants, was led to the prisoner’s dock, Crown attorney Peter Westgate informed Justice Michael Brown that Mr. Lenti’s lawyer, Louie Genova, had fallen ill.
His next sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 26.
On April 14, Mr. Lenti pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of David John (Dread) Buchanan, 32, the sergeant at arms for the Hells Angels West Toronto chapter. He also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in the December 2006 incident, during which Hells Angels member Dana Carnegie and then-Hells Angels prospect Carlo Verrelli were wounded at Club Pro, in the Jane Street and Hwy. 7 area.
According to the agreed statement of facts, at about 10:30 p.m., Dec. 1, 2006, Mr. Lenti arrived to Club Pro, where he was employed as a “cooler”, meaning he was responsible for keeping drugs out of the building and acting as a peacekeeper.
About two hours later, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Carnegie, Mr. Verrelli and Scott Desroche, who was also a Hells Angels member, walked into Club Pro.
Mr. Buchanan was celebrating his birthday the night he was killed, according to a posting on a Hells Angels website in the hours after his death.
At about 12:53 a.m., Mr. Lenti went to the bar area to order a coffee and water. While at the bar, he noticed the four men and recognized them as Hells Angels, court heard.
After an argument broke out about Mr. Lenti being associated with the Bandidos and the fact he was trying to establish the club in Ontario, the disagreement moved to the lobby, where Mr. Lenti was punched in the eye by Mr. Buchanan, court heard.
Pulling out a nine-millimetre handgun he began carrying after learning of a plot to kill him, Mr. Lenti shot Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Carnegie and Mr. Verrelli.
Mr. Desroche escaped into a utility closet when Mr. Lenti pulled the gun, court heard.
Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Verrelli collapsed to the floor after being shot, while Mr. Carnegie fled.
Mr. Buchanan was trying to raise himself off the floor while his right hand was extended toward Mr. Lenti.
Mr. Lenti shot Mr. Buchanan through his left cheek, ending his life, court heard.
While on his way to the club’s door, Mr. Lenti again shot Mr. Verrelli, who was on the floor in the fetal position.
Mr. Lenti left the club, taking the gun.
The weapon has never been recovered.
Court heard the entire incident in the lobby lasted 40 seconds.
The Hells Angels were not seen carrying guns during the incident, court heard.
Both Mr. Verrelli and Mr. Carnegie were treated in hospital.
After leaving the closet, Mr. Desroche left the club briefly, but returned and turned Mr. Buchanan over, saying he was attempting CPR.
Mr. Lenti surrendered the same day.