Dangerous offender hearing begins for Leslie Black
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A two-week hearing will commence this afternoon in Prince Albert to determine if the man responsible for a brutal attempted murderer should be designated as a dangerous offender.
Leslie Ivan Roderick Black pleaded guilty to sexual assault and attempted murder in 2015 in relation to a vicious attack which took place in 2014. Black’s victim, homeless woman Marlene Bird, suffered cuts and severe burns during the attack which resulted in the amputation of both her legs and severe damage to her eyesight. Although the identity of sexual assault victims is protected by a publication ban, Bird chose to reveal her identity publicly, saying she does not want to be just another statistic.
Black attempted to reverse his plea in June, and argued he would not have admitted to attempted murder if he had known he may be ruled a dangerous offender, a designation which carries indefinite imprisonment as a consequence. Judge Hugh Harradence denied the application after a hearing.
Black’s dangerous offender hearing is expected to be lengthy, as two weeks have been set aside for the proceedings.
