A Calgary judge has found Dustin Paxton guility of aggravated assault and sexual assault, calling the list of injuries he inflicted on the victim ‘grotesque'.
Judge Sheilah Martin found Paxton guilty on four out of five charges including aggravated assault and sexual assault.
Even though Paxton told police during an interview video that he was a ‘very very very nice guy', Martin disagreed.
Joe Mercier, Crown prosecutor, felt it was a fair trial and they put together a credible case.
The trial heard disturbing testimony from over 40 witnesses over a four and a half month period, including the victim himself, who was dumped near death at a Regina hospital in 2010.
The man, who cannot be named, bored significant scars as a result of his ordeal at the hands of Paxton.
Much of his lower lip was missing, he was suffering brain damage, internal injuries, weighing less than half his normal weight.
Judge Martin, at times, took the Calgary Police Service to task about not taking enough detailed notes.
As a result, in some cases, officers' recollections conflicted with medical testimony.
Despite the criticism, police were pleased with the outcome and offered a few words for the victim and his family. "Today's decision will hopefully bring them and their families one step closer to healing," said Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux.
Paxton was acquitted on one charge of forcible confinement.
He is expected back in court for sentencing on Feb. 17 and could face up to 14 years in prison.
Defence team Jim Lutz and Andrea Serink declined to address the media following the decision.
The judge began the day with ruling on the defence team's application for a stay of proceedings which she denied, saying the trial had not been unfair to Paxton and throwing out the case would be an unfair trial in his favour.
