A man found guilty of several sex assaults was declared a dangerous offender in a Calgary courtroom on Friday.
Cory Bitternose was sentenced to 20 years and will spend at least half of that behind bars
Bitternose was driving a stolen truck on July 13, 2008, when he pulled up alongside two women, who were cycling home from a local pub in Banff.
He offered them a ride and they accepted, but instead of taking them to their destination, he drove to a vacant lot and began beating them.
One woman managed to get away but her friend did not and was sexually assaulted.
Even though Bitternose has been declared a dangerous offender, the judge ruled that he will not be locked up indefinitely.
The judge addressed Bitternose saying there is no question his conduct was cruel and vicious and showed disregard for human life.
Bitternose sobbed in court when the judge read the decision.
His lawyer says Bitternose understands the impact his crimes have had and he will have a long rehabilitation period.
"He was very clear that it was very emotional for him. Having gone through this process, he's truly realized the impact that he's had on them and the communities," said Pawel Milczarek, Bitternose's lawyer
Bitternose also has 19 convictions for break and enter and will have to serve half of his sentence before he can apply for parole.
