Caleb Heaton pleads guilty to aggravated sexual assault in violent Strathcona attack
Man accused also pleads guilty to unlawful confinement, break and enter
Caleb Heaton has pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault in a violent Strathcona attack in March.
During the brutal assault, Heaton allegedly barged into the woman's house armed with a weapon on March 26, tied up the victim, choked her using clothing, and sexually assaulted her with a rock and a knife, according to the court documents.
A Good Samaritan heard the woman's screams and intervened, getting into a fight with the assailant, police said. Several other people rushed to the aid of the woman.
The woman was taken to hospital with what police called "significant" but not life-threatening injuries, and has since been released.
Heaton faced seven charges. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to three of them — aggravated sexual assault, unlawful confinement and break and enter — and showed little emotion during his court appearance. He wore a red shirt and looked down as the guilty pleas were entered.
The other four charges against him will go forward now, according to Heaton's lawyer.
He has at least 40 criminal convictions in Ontario, including aggravated assault, breaking and entering and possession of a weapon.
Heaton has been in custody since his arrest. The judge granted the Crown's request to have Heaton assessed for dangerous offender status.
His sentencing date has been set for Aug. 31.