By Taylor MacPherson

Black apologizes for attack at dangerous offender hearing

Mar 21, 2017 | 12:00 PM

The presentation of evidence at Leslie Ivan Black’s dangerous offender hearing concluded today with Black speaking in his own defence.

Black pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder in connection with a vicious assault dating back to 2014. Court heard Black beat and sexually assaulted Marlene Bird before lighting her on fire, which led to the amputation of both her legs and permanent damage to her eyesight. The hearing, which will determine whether Black is designated as a dangerous offender and subject to a potentially indefinite prison sentence, has been running since March 13 at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

Although not called as a witness, Black was given the opportunity to speak this morning and read from a brief statement which he had prepared with help from his court-appointed lawyer Brent Little.

Little warned that Black’s stutter, which he has had since witnessing his mother’s murder as a child, may make him difficult to understand. Despite his speech impediment, however, Black spoke quite clearly as he read from behind the glass of the prisoner’s box.

“I apologize for what I did,” Black said. “I still can’t forgive myself.”

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If he could relive the night of the attack, Black said he would have taken his father’s advice and stayed home. Black said he understands that Bird and her family have not forgiven him, and said he accepts any sentence he is given by the courts.

Black said he is not a violent person, and wants to get the help he needs to succeed in life.

“I’m usually a happy-go-lucky guy,” he said.

Although Black addressed part of his statement to Bird, who attended several days of the hearing and spoke briefly to media last week, she was not in attendance this morning to hear her attacker’s apology.

Judge Stanley Loewen thanked Black for his statement and said he would take it into account when making his decision. Loewen also thanked Little and Crown Prosecutor Jeff Lubyk for their work on the case thus far, which he said was fairly presented by the Crown and properly responded to by the defence.

Although no further evidence will be presented, the hearing will continue with the submission of briefs and formal arguments from both sides in May. Loewen said he intends to see the case concluded before summer.

In the meantime, Black will continue to be held on remand at Regina Correctional Centre.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews