A Lakeside man stayed silent Feb. 1 before a judge sentenced him to 17 years in state prison for committing two hate crimes.

Probation was denied for Timothy Michael Caban, 40, by El Cajon Superior Court Judge William McGrath, who fined Caban $3,400 and ordered him to pay $3,588 in medical costs to the two victims. Deputy District Attorney Leon Schorr said the medical bills for the black victim, Sylvester Wilson, 44, will increase. The attack left Wilson with brain damage and he now requires 24-hour care.

The first crime was committed against Eric Brunk, 30, who was at a bar in Lakeside with his wife in October 2006. Brunk was talking with a male acquaintance. Caban approached both men and asked if they were gay. “Would it matter if we are?” Brunk responded.

Caban struck Brunk from behind and called him “a faggot.” Brunk’s shoulder was dislocated and he suffered facial cuts and bruises. The case remained unsolved until Wilson was assaulted on July 8, 2007, outside another Lakeside bar.

Wilson was punched and his head hit the pavement. Schorr said Wilson didn’t know Caban and no words were exchanged before the incident. Wilson now has difficulty speaking due to brain damage he suffered as a result of the attack. He is paralyzed on one side, and now lives with a relative.

Before Caban attacked Wilson, a bartender told Caban he was not allowed any more alcohol. Caban took his shirt off and showed a swastika tattoo on his chest. After, he followed Wilson outside.

Caban was convicted in 1997 of assault with a deadly weapon, said Schorr, and for illegal drug possession.

Caban pleaded guilty Jan. 4 to committing two hate crimes in a plea agreement rather than go to trial and face 24 years in prison if convicted. McGrath gave him credits for spending the last seven months at George F. Bailey Detention Facility. Caban must serve 85 percent of the 17 year sentence.