Second brother sentenced to 3 years for brutal bus driver attack

Darryl Flett was sentenced to three years in prison plus 18 months probation Friday for his role in a brutal May 2025 attack on Calgary Transit driver Amarjit Grewal, who has since returned to work despite serious injuries.

Flett and his brother Curtis Baker Spence attacked Grewal, 67, on the driver's bus in northwest Calgary in the early morning hours of May 14, 2025. Video of the attack shows Baker Spence beating Grewal with a baton while Flett used a sharp-edged weapon. Grewal used his hands and arms to shield his face and head. The lone bus passenger on board tried to help, shielding the driver with a cushion.

Grewal suffered ongoing injuries to his hand and called 911 after the attackers fled. About seven hours later, the brothers were arrested at a northeast McDonald's. Grewal's blood was found on Baker Spence's clothing and shoes.

Justice Frederick Fisher accepted a joint sentencing proposal from prosecutors and defence counsel. Fisher noted that the victim being a public transit operator at the time of the attack was an aggravating factor. "He didn't deserve what happened to him," the judge said. Prosecutor Greg Piper called Grewal's return to work "a commentary on his resilience."

Flett pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and breaching a release condition. His brother Baker Spence pleaded guilty to robbery and breaching a release condition and was sentenced to four years in prison in June — a longer sentence because he "appeared to be the leader," prosecutors said. At the time of the attack, both brothers were under court-ordered conditions banning them from possessing weapons. Baker Spence had been released from jail after serving time for crimes of violence just two weeks before attacking Grewal.

Flett's probation conditions include staying away from Grewal, drugs, and alcohol, and participating in treatment. With credit for time already served, he has just over a year left on his sentence. Before court ended, Flett addressed his victim directly. "Mr. Grewal sir, I would like to say I'm sorry for the things that happened that night and I'm very sorry I put you in danger," he said. "I wish I could go back in time."

Calgary Transit employees filled the courtroom in support of the victim.