Brandon, Manitoba – A man in Brandon, Manitoba, who pleaded guilty to a violent attack on his partner is now seeking to withdraw his guilty plea. Despite his efforts, Wayne William Joseph Becks, 40, will remain in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings following his guilty pleas to assault and assault causing bodily harm charges in October.
During a court appearance on Monday, Becks sought bail, but Crown attorney Reid Girard opposed his release, citing concerns about the risk of re-offending and his ability to appear in court. Girard detailed the agreed statement of facts surrounding the incident, which involved a violent assault that left the victim with significant injuries, including bruises, cuts, and chipped teeth.
In November 2022, Yellowhead RCMP responded to a call from a 14-year-old girl reporting her mother’s injuries at their home, where the violent incident occurred. The woman described a harrowing ordeal involving Becks, who allegedly became aggressive after consuming alcohol and marijuana, leading to a brutal attack with knives, physical violence, and threats against both the woman and her daughter.
The woman managed to defend herself and her daughter, prompting the girl to seek help from neighbors while the assailant continued his assault. The severity of the incident prompted Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta to deem it a case of “stunning violence,” as she reviewed photos of the victim’s injuries and the scene of the attack.
Despite Becks’ claims of feeling pressured to plead guilty and his assertion of being a victim in the altercation, Judge Hewitt-Michta expressed skepticism about the basis for withdrawing the guilty pleas. She ultimately denied Becks bail, emphasizing the serious nature of the charges and the threat he posed to the victims.
Becks’ case is set to return to Minnedosa court on March 5 for further proceedings, as he remains in custody awaiting the legal outcome of his attempts to withdraw his guilty pleas. The judge’s decision reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the victims in this disturbing case of domestic violence.