A man accused of aggravated assault in a disturbing attack on Christmas Day in 2023 near Barrie appeared in court Wednesday to set his next court date, when it is expected he will plead guilty.
Sidney Devine appeared in court from the prisoner's dock and watched as his case was put over to April 1 for resolution and sentencing.
Devine, with a teardrop tattoo visible just below his left eye, did not speak but acknowledged his lawyer, Emily Dyer, and Justice Craig Harper to confirm his identity.
The 20-year-old, who was 18 at the time of the assault, remains in custody at Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene.
Devine was charged along with a young offender who has already pleaded guilty and been sentenced in the case. The boy, who cannot be named per the conditions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was sentenced to a 28-month jail sentence in January.
Court heard evidence during the sentencing hearing for the young offender that he and Devine brutally assaulted the man, leaving him with lasting injuries, including disfigurement.
The attack was filmed and distributed electronically, court has heard.
No evidence of motive was provided.
“There was a complete lack of empathy,” Ontario Court Madam Justice Cecile Applegate said in sentencing the youth.
