WATCH ABOVE: A man charged with the attempted murder of a six-year-old girl was denied bail today. Shallima Maharaj has more on the judge’s decision.
EDMONTON — The 22-year-old man accused in a horrific attack on a six-year-old girl on a reserve west of Edmonton will not get bail.
James Clifford Paul is charged with attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping.
He has several other outstanding charges, including assault, unlawful confinement and mischief.
READ MORE: James Clifford Paul to make first court appearance
Last December, the little girl from Paul First Nation was airlifted to hospital in critical condition. Her family said she was found outside, naked and beaten so badly she was almost unrecognizable.
The six-year-old was taken to the Stollery Children’s Hospital with “traumatic injuries related to blunt trauma,” where she remained in a coma for several days before waking up.
In a news conference after the attack, Superintendent Gary Steinke, with RCMP K Division said the case had a huge impact on the community and the police officers.
The judge said Wednesday he made the decision to deny bail based on the strength of the prosecution’s case as well as the severity of the charges and the possible maximum penalty the accused could face. The judge also referenced the vulnerability of the victim.
Paul will be back in court for a preliminary hearing on November 23.
Paul First Nation is about 35 kilometres southwest of Stony Plain, near Wabamun Lake.
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