The man who allegedly attacked a doctor in the psychiatric ward of Penticton Regional Hospital has pleaded not guilty.
Gregory Stanley Nield, 31, will go to trial at a date yet to be determined. Crown and defence council both agreed that the trial will likely last up to two days.
The case will first enter a pre-trial conference between the Crown and the defence.
Five civilian and four police witnesses are expected to be called to the stand during the trial.
Nield, who has been featured several times in the sports section of the Western News for his achievements in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is charged with aggravated assault for allegedly attacking Dr. Rajeev Sheoran on Dec. 5 during a closed-door interview at Penticton Regional Hospital. Police said Sheoran suffered a broken jaw and facial injuries during the melee, while the B.C. Nurses’ Union said the doctor was lucky to have survived.
Nield was released on a $50,000 recognizance on Feb. 19.