By Taylor MacPherson

Black sentenced to 16 years; apologizes to victim

Sep 22, 2017 | 12:25 PM

A violent and disturbing case which has loomed over the city for years finally came to an end this morning.

Leslie Black was sentenced to 16 years this morning for his savage attempt to murder Marlene Bird, bringing an end to a case which has languished in the court system for more than three years.

Black attacked Bird in a downtown alley on June 1, 2014, stomping and sexually assaulting her before lighting her on fire and leaving the scene. As a result of the attack Bird’s legs were amputated, and she lost much of her eyesight.

Black pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder, and this morning Judge Stanley Loewen sentenced Black to a 16-year federal prison sentence, which will be followed by a 10-year long-term supervision order. Because he has been held in custody since July 1, 2014 while lawyers argued over his potential status as a dangerous or long-term offender, Black was given credit for four years and eight months’ time already served. He was also handed a lifetime ban on owning firearms or ammunition and was ordered to provide DNA samples.

Bird finally heard her attacker apologize during the sentencing hearing, something she has requested throughout the court process. Black, clad in the grey uniform of the provincial correctional centre and sporting a recently-shaved head, stood in the prisoner’s box and made direct eye contact with Bird as he apologized.

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“I still can’t forgive myself for what I’ve done,” Black said. “I apologize for what I did, and if I could undo the past I would… I’m truly sorry.”

“This is the end of a very long and arduous process,” Loewen said at the end of the proceedings. “Everybody can get on with their lives.”

Outside the courthouse Bird told paNOW she was satisfied with the 16-year incarceration, and although it was painful to hear it, felt the apology was sincere.

“I liked that apology,” Bird said. “It feels good. I don’t have to have bad dreams, I hope.”

Bird has not yet come to terms with her attacker, but said she may be able to forgive Black with the passage of time.

“I’m doing my best, because my mom told me to forgive people that do wrong,” Bird said. “I think I could forgive him.”

When asked if she planned to celebrate the conclusion of the long and difficult court case, Bird said she would “probably go have a cup of tea.”

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews