THUNDER BAY — A man who attacked an unwanted guest in his residence with a hatchet has pleaded guilty, even though the victim can't be found.
Glen Campbell, 38, appeared before Justice Paul Bellefontaine in a Thunder Bay courtroom on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing bodily harm.
The charges relate to an incident in the early morning hours of Dec. 6, 2021 when two officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service responded the area of Leith Street at approximately 1 a.m. for reports of a man walking around shirtless and bleeding from under the arm.
The man was located and police learned he had been at Campbell’s residence in the Brodie Street North area earlier that day.
An investigation revealed the man was unwanted in the residence and refused to leave. An argument ensued, which escalated to Campbell picking up a hatchet and striking the man under the arm, resulting in a four-inch laceration.
Campbell was arrested on Dec. 6, 2021 and initially charged with aggravated assault.
A two-day trial was originally scheduled to take place but defense counsel Richard Garrett said in the interest of resolving the matter, the trial dates were vacated and a guilty plea was agreed upon instead.
The Crown acknowledged Campbell made a significant concession in entering a guilty plea, informing the court that despite ongoing efforts, the victim, who has several outstanding warrants, cannot be located.
As part of a joint submission, Campbell was sentenced to one day deemed served after being credited with 135 days of enhanced pre-sentence custody.
“This type of incident could have gotten wildly out of control and could have sent you off to prison for a many number of years,” Bellefontaine said.
Campbell will also be subject to 12 months probation, is required to submit a DNA sample, and is prohibited from owning any weapons for two years.
