Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 17/99) - A Yellowknife man charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault was released from custody by Justice Robert Halifax at a bail hearing in territorial court Tuesday.

Arthur Gonzales, 22, was arrested and charged Feb. 7 following an altercation at Northern United Place apartments in which a 20-year-old man was slashed and stabbed with a knife. According to the victim's father, the knife was still stuck in his son's back when he was taken to hospital for treatment.

Speaking by telephone Tuesday, the father said his son was released from hospital Sunday and is doing well.

"I'm just concerned that he'll heal up, because the major concern is his back where he got the knife in a disc," said the father, "It's too early to know about therapy, but he looks like a man of 102 the way he's walking around the house."

The accused's family and supporters turned out for Tuesday's court session, and while the release-request was granted, they appeared anxious and declined comment after the ruling.

In setting terms to release the accused, Justice Halifax said he was satisfied that the three necessary conditions existed -- that the accused would appear before court as ordered, that he posed no threat to public safety, and that neither the court nor the execution of justice would be compromised.

Ordered to reappear on March 9, the accused and his counsel will indicate how they wish to proceed on the charges, through territorial or Supreme Court and with judge and jury or judge alone.