Sexual assault sentencing adjourned

Sentencing for a 21-year-old man found guilty earlier this year of sexually assaulting a woman and cutting her throat has been adjourned again, although a date may finally be set during his next court appearance.

The accused, who can’t be identified under a court-ordered publication ban because he was only 17 at the time of the offences in 2015, was in Lethbridge youth court Wednesday, where his matter was adjourned, but for only one week.

The court has been waiting for completion of an assessment and report, which are expected to help determine whether the accused should be sentenced as a youth or an adult. The status of the assessment and subsequent report was not mentioned in court Wednesday, and the matter was simply adjourned. Sentencing should be scheduled when the matter returns next Wednesday.

The accused was found guilty last March of break and enter and sexual assault, unlawful confinement, aggravated sexual assault, and two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

The man turned 18 three days after he sexually assaulted a woman in her home, then dragged her outside where he assaulted her again before slitting her throat with a knife taken from the home.

Sentencing has been adjourned several times since he was found guilty of the charges, and not guilty of one count of attempted murder in the violent attack in the early morning hours of May 3, 2015. The delay has been largely necessary to allow time for the preparation of the assessment through IRCS, the Intensive Rehabilitative and Custody Supervision program.

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