He’s been in custody since his arrest on June 28, 2014. Now, Leslie Black will have to wait a little longer to learn his fate and sentence after brutally attacking a homeless woman.
On Tuesday, Black opted not to take the stand in his own defence on the final day of his dangerous offender hearing at Prince Albert, Sask., provincial court.
Resting its case, this would be only the second time in the defence counsel’s career that the accused in a hearing of this nature didn’t testify.
READ MORE: Leslie Black capable of extreme violence: psychiatrist
The gamble, Black who has already been behind bars for nearly three years may never get out if labelled a dangerous offender.
When asked if he wanted to address the court, the 31-year-old man apologized from the prisoners’ box for what he did to Marlene Bird.
“If I could undo the past I would.”
Black also told the judge he would be willing to accept whatever sentence he receives.
READ MORE: ‘It used to be for the worst of the worst’: dangerous offender designation
On June 1, 2014, Black sexually assaulted Bird then violently stomped on her before setting her on fire – leaving her wheelchair-bound after her legs had to be amputated.
Bird and her partner both filed victim impact statements with the court but were not present for Black’s apology.
The judge thanked counsel for their work on the case and how fairly it was represented by the Crown before court was adjourned for the day.
There will be court proceedings related to this case on April 21, at which time a date will be set for closing arguments. The judge presiding over the hearing expressed interest on Tuesday in delivering his decision before the start of summer.
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