Attempted murder suspect looking for new lawyer

A 20-year-old man accused of attacking and nearly killing a woman last year as she walked to work is looking for a new lawyer.

During a hearing Thursday in Lethbridge provincial court, an agent for Lethbridge lawyer Greg White applied to have White removed as Denzel Dre Colton’s lawyer. The application was granted once the judge confirmed with the accused that he wants new counsel.

Bird, who appeared by closedcircuit TV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, told court he is working on getting a new lawyer and is waiting for paperwork to be completed.

The Crown urged Bird to retain a lawyer as quickly as possible so the new counsel can request disclosure from the Crown and proceed with the case. The matter returns to court April 19.

Bird is charged with attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, break and enter and several counts of mischief.

Police reported a man struck a woman with a weapon Sept. 30, 2016 and dragged her into an alley in the 2000 block of 6 Avenue South, where he sexually assaulted her.

The victim was discovered by a passerby at about 8:30 a.m. and taken to hospital with lifethreatening injuries. She has since made a slow but steady recovery.

Although Bird has not had a bail hearing and remains in custody by his own consent, the Crown suggested during a hearing in February that defence move forward and decide how Bird will be tried. The Crown suggested the court may decide for him if the case moves too slowly.

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