A Minnedosa, Manitoba man who previously admitted to a brutal attack on his partner is now seeking to retract his guilty plea, but is being kept in custody. Wayne William Joseph Becks, 40, had pleaded guilty to charges of assault and assault causing bodily harm last October. Despite being scheduled for sentencing in January, the matter became uncertain after his lawyer withdrew.

During a recent court hearing, Crown attorney Reid Girard opposed Becks’ release, citing concerns about the risk of re-offending and Becks’ ability to attend court. Girard detailed the agreed statement of facts regarding the incident that took place in November 2022, where Yellowhead RCMP responded to a distress call from a 14-year-old girl reporting her injured mother.

The woman described a violent altercation with Becks that escalated to him wielding knives, physically assaulting her, and threatening their daughter who intervened to protect her mother. The woman sustained severe injuries, including bruises, cuts, chipped teeth, and a concussion, requiring medical attention.

Becks’ defense lawyer, Philip Sieklicki, informed the court of Becks’ intention to withdraw his guilty pleas, alleging that he had felt coerced into admitting to the offenses. Sieklicki also mentioned Becks’ claim of being a victim during the incident, asserting that his hand was stabbed.

Despite the defense’s bail proposal for Becks to reside in Gilbert Plains, Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta emphasized the gravity of the charges, citing the prolonged violent nature of the assault, the use of bladed weapons, and the substantial injuries sustained by the partner. The judge ultimately denied Becks’ bail application, agreeing with the Crown’s assessment of the threat he poses to the victims.

The case is set to return to Minnedosa court on March 5 for further proceedings. Becks’ attempt to retract his guilty pleas will undergo a meticulous review process to determine its validity, potentially prolonging his time in custody. The severity of the incident and the risks posed by Becks underscore the importance of ensuring justice and safety for the victims involved.