It appears the man accused of a vicious sexual assault on a Penticton woman during the July long weekend in 2011 is going to plead guilty.
David Bobbitt appeared via video in Penticton Supreme court on Monday facing charges of aggravated assault, unlawful confinement or imprisonment of the woman and her toddler who was with her during the incident, aggravated sexual assault and two counts of uttering threats and assault with a weapon. The court heard Bobbitt intends to plead guilty on his next court appearance on April 2.
A 22-year-old Penticton woman and her toddler son were alleged to have been held inside Dave's Second Hand Store for over 10 hours. Bobbitt is accused of severely beating the woman, sexually assaulting her and confining her to a bed in the store that was located in a building Bobbitt leased on Ellis Street. The woman was reported missing by her family and eventually located in the store. RCMP issued a public alert asking for assistance in locating Bobbitt who was tracked down four days later and arrested on a farm between Oliver and Osoyoos.
In January Justice Alison Beames voiced her displeasure that there have been six adjournments to fix a date for trial since the preliminary inquiry was held and a decision made that there is sufficient evidence to go to trial. At that time defence council was asked if there had been discussion with Crown counsel for pleas and a possible sentencing. Defence council Jim Pennington said Bobbitt needed time to think over the charges and he added discussions were ongoing with Crown regarding a hearing for dangerous offender status.