Penticton

The man accused of beating and sexually assaulting a woman in a Penticton second hand store last summer was ordered to stand trial by Judge Gale Sinclair on Monday.

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer - Castanet File Photo

David Bobbitt arrived at the Penticton courthouse during last week's preliminary hearing

The decision was handed down at the end of the four day preliminary inquiry for David Bobbitt.

Bobbitt is facing charges including attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault, unlawful confinement or imprisonment and uttering threats, stemming from an incident that took place on the August long weekend in 2011.

Security was heightened throughout the hearing which began last week. The sheriff issued a warning on the first day that any outbursts would not be tolerated. Everyone entering the court room was also asked to walk through metal detectors.

At Bobbitt’s first court appearance angry words and threats were exchanged between him and family members of the victim, but there was little drama during the hearing.

Family members in attendance sat quietly or wept as evidence was presented. 

Two men were admonished on separate occasions by the sheriff for staring and smirking at the accused.

The accused, wearing red and sporting a beard and shaved head, showed little emotion throughout the proceedings.

None of the evidence given during the hearing can be published because there is a ban in place.

On July 31, 2011, Bobbitt, the operator of Dave’s Second Hand Store on Ellis Street, allegedly sexually assaulted the 22-year-old woman in the shop following a vicious beating. Her toddler was found unharmed nearby.

After a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest, he was spotted by an orchardist in the Oliver area on Aug. 3. 

The man recognized him and immediately contacted the RCMP, leading to his arrest.

The young woman, who was badly injured in the attack, quickly received the support of the entire community.

On Monday, family members of the victim looked shaken as they left the courtroom. The woman’s mother declined to comment until the end of the trial.

A trial date is expected to be set on July 30.