Man convicted of violent sexual assault of a senior could be deemed dangerous offender

Man convicted of sexually assaulting Ont. senior A Wasaga Beach man could be deemed a dangerous or long-term offender after sexually assaulting a senior if the Crown gets its way.

The Crown wants a Wasaga Beach man to be deemed a dangerous or long-term offender following a violent sexual assault of a senior inside her Stayner home two years ago.

Michael Zaakir was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, and in February, pleaded guilty to and was convicted of a single count of aggravated sexual assault.

On July 31, 2022, police said the then 31-year-old man stabbed the senior and sexually assaulted her, leaving her for dead and stealing her pickup truck.

Police said she crawled to her driveway for help.

Investigators said Zaakir was arrested days later with the assistance of Bracebridge OPP.

According to court documents obtained by CTV News, Zaakir has a lengthy criminal record dating back more than 10 years.

On Thursday, the defence argued the Crown missed its deadline to file the application and the matter should proceed straight to sentencing, but the Crown was successful, ultimately being granted an extension.

The Crown is seeking a forensic psychiatric assessment of Zaakir in order to help the court decide whether he should be deemed a dangerous or long-term offender.

Zaakir has been behind bars since his arrest. He is scheduled to make his next virtual appearance in court from jail in Penetanguishene early in the new year.