Saskatchewan man who beat woman and set her on fire not a dangerous offender, judge rules | National Post

3.9.17

Saskatchewan man who beat woman and set her on fire not a dangerous offender, judge rules | National Post: Black pleaded guilty to attempted murder in the sexual assault of Marlene Bird, who was attacked in Prince Albert in 2014. Her injuries were so serious both legs had to be amputated and she lost much of her eyesight.

Bird told court in handwritten letters she now can’t do anything on her own, including simple things such as picking a blueberry or going to the bathroom.

She said she has to wear adult diapers, can’t control her bowels and feels disgusted with herself when she can’t make it to the bathroom in time. Bird said she also fears entering the city because of the attack.

At the hearing, Black said if he could go back to the night he attacked Bird, he would have taken his father’s advice and stayed home.

In a brief statement, which Black read despite a stutter he has had since witnessing his mother’s murder when he was a child, Black said he understands that Bird and her family have not forgiven him.

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