A sentence is likely months away for the man convicted in the brutal beating of a Prince Albert woman.
Leslie Black appeared in Prince Albert Provincial Court Thursday morning via video conference from Regina. The Crown is still deciding whether to seek dangerous offender status for the 29-year-old. A dangerous offender status could result in a more severe sentence.
Black was charged with aggravated sexual assault and attempted murder after Marlene Bird, who was homeless, was found injured in a downtown Prince Albert parking lot on June 1, 2014.
Bird was viciously beaten and set on fire, and was barely conscious when she was found. She suffered third-degree burns and was so badly wounded that both her legs required amputation. Half of her forehead down to her chin was lacerated.
Black pleaded guilty to attempted murder in late April. The prosecution said it intends to drop aggravated sexual assault charges.
Black’s legal aid lawyer told the court Thursday he may withdraw his services. He said he has some ethical concerns with the pre-sentence report he needs to discuss with Black.
The case was adjourned to Aug. 11. A sentence likely won’t be handed down for months.
