Psychological assessment to delay sentencing in sex assault case

A 20-year-old man who broke into a Lethbridge residence almost three years ago and sexually assaulted a woman before slashing her throat, won’t be sentenced for several more months.

Court is waiting for the completion of several assessments, including a psychological assessment, before determining the man’s fate. The Crown prosecutor is also expected to decide whether she will apply to have the accused sentenced as an adult.

The man, who can't be named under a courtordered publication ban because he was only 17 at the time of the offences, sexually assaulted the woman in her home May 3, 2015, then dragged her outside where he assaulted her again before slitting her throat with a knife taken from the home.

Judge Gregory Maxwell found the accused guilty last month of break and enter and sexual assault, unlawful confinement, aggravated sexual assault and two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. But he acquitted him on one count of attempted murder and said there wasn’t enough evidence to prove the accused intended to kill his victim.

Sentencing was adjourned following Maxwell’s decision, to allow time for the preparation of presentence, Gladue and psychological reports that will provide the accused’s personal information and circumstances to help the judge determine a fit sentence. However, during a brief hearing Wednesday in Lethbridge youth court, Crown prosecutor Lisa Weich said the reports would not be done at least until mid-July and the matter was adjourned to Aug. 1.

Defence lawyer Scott Hadford said afterward that while he is concerned with the long delay, he’s more concerned about the possibility that his client could be sentenced as an adult, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison for aggravated sexual assault. As a youth, on the other hand, the accused would serve less time in jail because the charge carries a significantly lower maximum sentence.