The 20-year-old Trenton man who left Scott Jones in a wheelchair after attacking him with a knife outside a New Glasgow bar last fall received a 10-year prison sentence Thursday.

Jones, who is now paralyzed from the waist down, publicly forgave Shane Edward Matheson, 20, who pleaded guilty to attempted murder in the stabbing.

“Shane, nothing can justify what you’ve done to me, but I forgive you,” Jones said to Matheson as the two stared at each other in a Pictou courtroom.

Matheson’s sentence was reduced to about nine years after consideration for time already served in jail after his arrest.

Jones, a musician and choral director, alleged publicly that he believes the attack was a hate crime launched by Matheson because of his homosexuality.

In exchange for Matheson’s plea, the Crown dropped charges of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.