What does ‘expungement’ mean in an attempted murder case?

The latest hurdle in a long-running court case of a man who pleaded guilty to attempted murder, and then wished to take that plea back, is set to be overcome.

A decision will be handed down at Prince Albert Provincial Court for Leslie Black, who pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Marlene Bird in April 2015. He asked to have the plea expunged from his record on Nov. 12, 2015.

During the hearing before Judge Hugh Harradence, Black’s lawyer Brent Little argued the ramifications of pleading guilty were never properly explained to his client.

Black claims he would have never pleaded guilty if he’d known there was a chance he’d be labelled a Dangerous Offender, a classification which means a prisoner could face a “sentence of indeterminate length” or essentially life in prison.

But what does an expungement mean?

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If Judge Harradence decides Black did not fully understand the ramifications of pleading guilty, then the case will return to square zero. Black will more than likely once again apply for Legal Aid, plead not guilty and continue through the legal system.

Given the severity of Black’s crimes, Harradence indicated during the hearing, a guilty verdict would likely be handed to Black anyway.

If the guilty plea is to remain on Black’s record, the court will proceed to sentencing.

The decision will be handed down today, June 3.

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