A teenager who almost killed a young man in a September sword attack faces a two-year jail term after pleading guilty in Red Deer youth court on Thursday.
The 17-year-old Camrose youth returns to court on Dec. 23 for sentencing, following preparation of a pre-sentence report.
Appearing on closed-circuit television from the Calgary youth detention centre, the accused answered calmly that he understood what he was pleading guilty to and that he agreed to the facts worked out between Crown prosecutor Denis Huot and defence lawyer Michael Scrase.
The youth’s identity is protected under terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The accused had been charged with attempted murder in the attack on Sept. 4 before his plea change.
Two other charges, including assault with a weapon and possession of a dangerous weapon, were withdrawn.
Huot told Judge David Plosz that he is seeking the maximum sentence prescribed in the act, which is two years in jail.
Huot will also seek a DNA order and a firearms prohibition, he said.
The youth has been in jail since the attack and was denied bail earlier.
Under the act, he could serve 18 months, minus the time in remand, in custody and eights months of open custody under close supervision.
Initially, the Crown wanted the youth charged as an adult but after negotiations, the plea bargain was arranged.
The attack occurred outside in north Red Deer around 4:10 a.m.
A 22-year-old Rocky Mountain House man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The victim suffered deep and wide gashes to his neck and arm inflicted by a sword. Another person received minor injuries.
RCMP said a group of people flagged down a police officer for help after the assault.
The youth and another man fled. One was found nearby and the other later turned himself into police.
Dylan Cameron Huhn, 20, of Red Deer will have a trial on May 4 and 5, 2011, in Red Deer on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon and two counts of failing to comply with previous court conditions.
He also remains in custody.
jwilson@www.reddeeradvocate.com