Marlene Bird suffered a vicious attack in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Family photo

A Native woman who was viciously attacked in Saskatchewan attended a court hearing for the man accused of nearly killing her.

Marlene Bird, 47, attended the hearing in a wheelchair, according to news reports. Her legs had to be amputated as a result of the horrific attack on June 1 in Prince Albert.

Leslie Black, 29, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault. He appeared in court via video and remains in custody pending trial.

“It affected me a lot because it shocked me,” Bird told The Prince Albert Daily-Herald of the crime. “Just the whole experience … It’d be really hard to talk about it,” she added.

Bird spent nearly four months in a hospital in Saskatoon and underwent reconstructive surgery on her face. She was released last Thursday but her family members say social workers failed to follow up promises to help her find housing and resolve her medical, health and financial benefits.

As a result, Bird is currently living in the YMCA in Prince Albert.

Get the Story:
Marlene Bird attends court in wheelchair to see alleged attacker (CBC 10/2)
Struggle follows Marlene Bird back to P.A. (The Prince Albert Daily-Herald 10/1)

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