Paxton dangerous offender hearing begins in Calgary

Prosecutors want Dustin Paxton to undergo a psychiatric evaluation as a first step towards having him declared a dangerous offender.

Paxton, 32, was convicted earlier this year of aggravated assault and sexual assault after his roommate was dropped off at a Saskatchewan hospital badly beaten and emaciated.

Paxton was also found guilty of assaulting a second person in a separate incident.

The Crown lawyers made their pitch to Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Sheilah Martin on Monday morning.   

Paxton has a criminal history that includes 41 convictions — seven of them for violent offences.  

The Crown says it is satisfied Paxton might fit the definition of a dangerous offender, but it needs the psychiatric evaluation done first.              

Paxton sat shaking his head while his long criminal history was described in court.  

Paxton's lawyer, Jim Lutz, told court his client has had long stretches between his offences, demonstrating that he is capable of restraining himself.

Lutz also noted that not all of his client’s convictions involved violence.               

A dangerous offender designation would see Paxton incarcerated indefinitely.

Martin will make her decision on Friday morning.