Details of a violent sexual assault that took place in August of 2012 emerged Monday at a sentencing hearing in Vernon Supreme Court.
Richard Ganzeveld, 54, has entered guilty pleas to charges of assault with a weapon, unlawful confinement and sexual assault.
The charges stem from an incident in August of 2012 when Ganzeveld tied a woman he knew to a bed and duct taped her mouth shut.
He touched her sexually and hit her with the handle of a knife when she said she would call police. The incident went on for hours.
Read More: Edmonton launches ‘It’s Time’ campaign to eradicate gender-based violence
She was able to get away when Ganzeveld, who had been drinking and taking prescription medication, collapsed.
In an interview with Global News on Monday, the victim described Ganzeveld coming towards her with a switchblade in his hand before collapsing. He fell to the ground but the knife landed on the bed.
She described using her foot to get the knife and then using the knife and her teeth to free herself.
Global News is not identifying the victim of the attack because her name is covered by a publication ban.
She said that this incident has had long-term implications for her including making it difficult for her to trust people.
She feels that if Ganzeveld hadn’t collapsed, the outcome would have been worse.
“I think if that wouldn’t of happened, I wouldn’t be here. His plan was to take my life and his,” she said.
Crown council is asking for a three year sentence while defense council is arguing for a 32-month sentence.
Monday, defense council painted a picture of the accused as someone who has struggled with alcohol addiction and tried to commit suicide on multiple occasions, but who wants to return to being a productive member of society.
The sentencing hearing is expected to resume on November 28.
Comments