Victoria, British Columbia — A man already serving a life sentence for murder has received additional prison time for another violent crime that occurred just days earlier. Mohamed Daud Omar, 31, was sentenced to four and a half years for an aggravated assault on his roommate, contributing to a disturbing pattern of violent behavior.
In February 2022, Omar’s actions escalated dramatically. On February 6, he assaulted his roommate multiple times at their shared residence, using several knives during the attack. Just weeks later, on February 28, moments after being released from custody under strict bail conditions, Omar fatally attacked an unarmed man outside Lucky Bar on Yates Street.
Following the fatal incident, Omar fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities, claiming self-defense in a call to 911. He insisted the victim had threatened him, despite evidence indicating otherwise.
Omar was convicted of the murder of 30-year-old John Dickinson and is currently serving a life sentence that mandates he serve 13 years before being eligible for parole. John Dickinson’s mother, Dorraine Dickinson, expressed her heartbreak over the loss, emphasizing that her son did not deserve such a fate.
The recent sentencing for the assault on his roommate will not extend Omar’s eligibility for parole, which remains set for 2035. As he faces institutional challenges, reports from his trial indicate a history of violent behavior, both before and during his incarceration. A psychiatric evaluation described a lack of clear diagnosis, yet pointed to a troubling history of antisocial behavior and substance abuse, including alcohol and marijuana.
Omar’s legal journey has been marked by challenges, as he represented himself in court through multiple delays, changing lawyers repeatedly. This pattern reflects a tumultuous personal history, which has included prior convictions in Ontario for various violent offenses, including assault and threats.
While incarcerated, he has reportedly continued to engage in violent behavior, allegedly attacking corrections staff and fellow inmates. These incidents raise ongoing concerns about his ability to reintegrate into society safely.
The Parole Board of Canada will ultimately decide in 2035 whether Omar poses a risk to the community, as he continues to serve time for serious offenses that have left lasting impacts on the lives of his victims’ families.