The young man convicted of manslaughter in connection to a violent attack that killed a 20-year old Stony Plain man during a grad party in 2007 is hoping to serve his sentence in the community.

Colin Bibaud was found guilty of manslaughter in June. The man was originally facing a first-degree murder charge.

During his sentencing hearing, his lawyer is asking the court that Bibaud be allowed to serve his sentence in the community.

The Crown is looking for Bibaud to serve a six to eight-year prison term.

During previous court proceedings, the court heard how Bibaud and his friends allegedly knew that the victim, Eric Olsen, would be at a grad party near Stony Plain in May of 2007. It's claimed Bibaud wanted payback for a beating he'd suffered the night before.

A former friend of Bibaud, Cody Trautman, had testified how Bibaud kicked the victim when he was down, but that many others had taken some shots as well.

Olsen was found hiding on a nearby rooftop and initially defended himself with a golfclub.

According to Trautman, some of his friends struck Olsen six or seven times.

Trautman stated the victim was already unconscious when he was rolled over the edge of the roof. It was at that point that Trautman says he saw Bibaud kick Olsen.

Bibaud's lawyer says his client continues to deny any responsibility in the death of Eric Olsen.

But the victim's father believes a harsher sentence is in order.

"I do not think it would be meaningful at all, given that a loss of life occurred and a guilty plea for manslaughter," said Grant Olsen.

Olsen's family read victim impact statements in court Wednesday. The young man's aunt told court how Olsen's death has affected her four-year-old son with night terrors.

"He screamed all the time. I would have to sleep with him, his sister would have to sleep with him, his brother, someone always would... he was always scared someone was coming to get him," said Anita Lambert.

According to Bibaud and his lawyer, his life has changed dramatically since Olsen's death. He has been off drugs for nearly three years.

Mike Ryan, an ex-convict turned counsellor, testified on Bibaud's behalf saying prison would be a huge step backward for the 23-year-old.

"To put him back in after he has gone through his recovery and proved he can stay straight is a big mistake," testified Ryan.

But for the man who lost his son, Bibaud's turnaround is not impressive.

"Good for him, but it doesn't change anything," said Grant Olsen.

Bibaud stood before the judge and asked him to consider his now drug-free life when he makes his sentencing decision. Bibaud will find out his sentence on Friday.

With files from David Ewasuk