Talks continue in attempted murder case

A 20-year-old man accused of attacking and nearly killing a woman last year as she walked to work remains in custody while he and his lawyer decide how to best proceed with the case.

Denzel Dre Colton Bird was in Lethbridge provincial court Thursday where is lawyer simply asked to adjourn the matter until April 6. Greg White told court he met with Bird at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre last week but needed more time to discuss what they would do next.

Although bail hearings have previously been scheduled, they have all been adjourned and Bird remains in custody by his own consent.

During a hearing in February defence sought an adjournment to review disclosure about the case, while the Crown told court White should be able to take a step and decide how his client wants to be tried. The Crown suggested the court decide for him.

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 previously that 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.