A trial date will be scheduled for David Bobbitt, who is accused of the attempted murder of a Penticton woman last year.
Crown counsel Iain Currie finished calling witnesses at the preliminary inquiry on Monday at Penticton provincial court. The inquiry concluded with Judge Gale Sinclair determining there is sufficient evidence against Bobbitt for a trial. Dates for the trial are expected to be scheduled at the next appearance for Bobbitt on July 30.
Bobbitt, who was brought to Penticton from jail to listen to the evidence being put forward against him, remained emotionless through the five-day preliminary inquiry. He is facing eight charges including attempted murder, two counts of unlawful confinement or imprisonment, aggravated sexual assault, two counts of uttering threats, robbery and assault with a weapon.
Last July 30, a 22-year-old Penticton woman and her toddler son, whose names are under a publication ban to protect their identity, were 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 his store, located in a building he leased on Ellis Street.
After the woman, who was reported missing by her family, was found, RCMP issued a public alert asking for the public’s assistance in locating Bobbitt in relation to the attack. Bobbitt was found on Aug. 3 when a farmer whose property is located between Oliver and Osoyoos recognized him in his field. The farmer called RCMP who arrested Bobbitt shortly after.