Woman at center of body in barrel murder gets life in prison

The woman at the centre of a murder case involving a body in a barrel has been sentenced to life in prison. CTV London’s Nick Paparella reports.

Ashley Bourget chose not to address the court at her sentencing hearing Monday afternoon.

In May, the 41-year-old mother of two young sons was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the disturbing and horrific death of 59-year-old Grant Norton.

Both the victim and the accused were drug dealers in London and known in the area’s drug subculture.

In July of 2020, Bourget lured Norton to her place on Adelaide Street with the help of others to talk about a drug deal. However, the court heard they intended to rob him of a large amount of cash.

Once there, Norton was hog-tied, beaten, and stabbed to death.

His body would eventually be stuffed in a plastic white barrel and found by the Thames River, not far from the Adelaide Street apartment.

After being found guilty by a jury, Justice Martha Cook sentenced Bourget to life in prison, and she won’t be eligible for parole until serving at least 25 years.

The judge told the court, “Mr. Norton was restrained, robbed savagely beaten and stabbed.”

She added, “Ms. Bourget may not have been the only person involved in Mr. Norton’s unlawful confinement and violent death, but she actively participated in the killing.”

Before Bourget was led away from the courtroom, Justice Cook told her, “Whether you earn parole in 25 years, or ever, will depend on what you do starting today.”

Bourget was one of five people convicted in connection with the brutal killing of Norton.

Wesley Peters, 33, who pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter late last month, is the final one to be sentenced in this case.

His next court date is scheduled for February.