A presentence report for an ailing man was not completed in time for his sentencing hearing this week because of delays caused by the recent Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and other communications problems.
Gerald Brisson, 49, pleaded guilty Jan. 23 of assault in relation to an incident at a convenience store Nov. 4, 2000.
It is alleged Brisson entered the store with a weapon and was trying to get money from the store?s owner, when a customer intervened. He and the owner tackled Brisson to the ground. It?s alleged Brisson then bit one of them.
That?s a serious allegation in itself, but aggravated when the courts have to consider Brisson is HIV-positive and carries the virus which causes AIDS.
Brisson pleaded guilty to assault by biting his victim. Court heard police knew Brisson has serious medical difficulties, and the victim had to be rushed to hospital to undergo numerous tests and receive certain medications.
Brisson, who appeared to be in extremely poor health Tuesday, has lived for the past year at a hospice, court heard. Sentencing will take place July 4.
