‘I’m very sorry’: Accused in seawall stranger attack seeks not criminally responsible finding

The defense for a man accused of attacking a tourist on Vancouver's seawall last year is asking the court to find him not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder. Peterhans Nungu, 35, has admitted to assaulting the complainant, who was visiting from Toronto, according to an Agreed Statement of Facts presented in provincial court.

"I'm very sorry," Nungu stated outside court, referring to the April 15, 2025 incident. "That will never happen again." Nungu faces a charge of assault causing bodily harm. His lawyer has requested a mental condition assessment under Section 672.11(b) of the Canadian Criminal Code.

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I’m very sorry.

"At the time of the offense, it's clear that Mr. Nungu was suffering from a mental disorder and quite frankly, if it's granted, he would be found not criminally responsible for his actions that day," defense counsel Leo Fumano told Global News.

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That will never happen again.

Court heard the complainant was walking along the Coal Harbour seawall shortly after midnight on April 15, 2025, when Nungu approached her. She did not respond when he tried to speak with her, and Nungu began to follow her, verbally abusing her.

As the complainant tried to get away, Nungu threw her to the ground, smashed her phone when she attempted to call 911, and then punched her multiple times in the head and face while she was on the ground. She managed to escape briefly before Nungu caught her again and threw her onto a concrete planter, causing her to lose consciousness. She awoke to Nungu tearing at her clothes. Bystanders intervened as she continued to scream and fight him off.

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At the time of the offense, it’s clear that Mr. Nungu was suffering from a mental disorder and quite frankly, if it’s granted, he would be found not criminally responsible for his actions that day.