THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - A preliminary inquiry for a Fort Smith man charged with attempted murder began last week, before being adjourned to the new year.

Paul Michael Egotak, 19, faces the charge in relation to the stabbing of a woman by a masked intruder in her Fort Smith home in February.

The preliminary inquiry, which was adjourned on Nov. 26, is also considering other charges Egotak faces - breaking, entering and committing aggravated assault; wearing a mask with the intent to commit an indictable offence and carrying a knife for the purpose of committing an offence.

Evidence presented during the three-day preliminary inquiry at Fort Smith territorial court cannot be published.

Crown attorney Terri Nguyen said 21 witnesses have appeared so far and 10 more are expected.

Nguyen said the next session for the inquiry is expected to take place in Yellowknife.

The accused will have a court appearance on Dec. 4 in Yellowknife to choose a date for the inquiry to continue.

The charges are in connection with an incident at about 4 a.m. on Feb. 14 in a Field Street home, where the 58-year-old woman lived alone. The victim suffered serious injuries.

When arrested soon after the incident, Egotak was not originally charged with attempted murder. That charge was added on June 23.