OWEN SOUND, Ontario — Three men from the United Kingdom have pleaded guilty in connection with the 2023 death of Owen Sound restaurant owner Sharif Rahman, bringing a major development in a case that has deeply affected the local community.
The guilty pleas were entered in an Ontario courtroom this week, nearly three years after Rahman suffered fatal injuries following a confrontation outside his restaurant, The Curry House.
#OntarioNews #Wndsor – Three Scottish men pleaded guilty Friday in the killing of Owen Sound, Ont., restaurant owner Sharif Rahman, over a dispute of their unpaid restaurant bill.
— The Torontonian🍁🇨🇦 🇪🇺 🇬🇱 🇮🇱 🇲🇽 🇺🇦🏒⚽️ (@Toronto_nian) June 5, 2026
– via The Torontonian Magazine 🇨🇦 🍁 Toronto's Voice #TorontoTalk https://t.co/tn3O5GTe57
Fatal Dispute Over Unpaid Bill
According to an agreed statement of facts presented in court, the incident occurred on Aug. 17, 2023, after a dispute involving an unpaid restaurant bill.
Prosecutors said Robert Evans Jr. was part of a group dining at The Curry House when an argument broke out.
The court heard that Rahman confronted members of the group outside the restaurant, where Evans Jr. punched him in the face.
The blow caused Rahman to fall backward and strike his head on the sidewalk.
He suffered a skull fracture and severe brain injuries before later dying at a hospital in London, Ontario.
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing
Robert Evans Jr. pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
His father, Robert Busby Evans, and uncle, Barry Evans, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact.
Court documents state that Barry Evans drove his nephew away from the scene following the incident, while Robert Busby Evans later purchased him a ticket to return to the United Kingdom.
The two men convicted as accessories were sentenced to time served plus one additional day in custody before being transferred to Canadian border authorities for deportation proceedings.
The sentencing of Robert Evans Jr. has been delayed until July 10 as the judge reviews a joint recommendation from prosecutors and defense lawyers seeking a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence.
Suspects Extradited From Scotland
After leaving Canada, the three men were later arrested in Scotland.
Canadian authorities successfully secured their extradition, and they were returned to Canada in December 2025 to face charges.
The case has drawn significant attention in Owen Sound, where Rahman was a well-known local business owner.
Expressions of Remorse
During court proceedings, all three defendants expressed remorse for their actions.
In a statement read before the court, Robert Evans Jr. said he thinks about the incident every day and is deeply troubled by the consequences of his actions.
“There were so many things I could have done differently that day,” he said. “I think about it every night and I’m sickened by the damage I’ve caused.”
He also stated that he prays for Rahman’s family daily and hopes they may someday forgive him.
Community Still Mourning
Rahman left behind his wife, young daughter, and extended family members in Owen Sound.
Prosecutors told the court that his family continues to struggle with the devastating loss.
The case sparked widespread public outrage and calls for justice throughout the community.
