Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Rae (Aug 29/05) - A Rae woman is recovering in an Edmonton hospital after suffering a bloody two-day assault in her home last week.

The woman's sister said her 25-year-old sibling's ordeal ended Aug. 23 when she escaped from her four-plex apartment after her assailant left to go to work.

The sister said the woman's two young children were present during the attack.

Rae-Edzo RCMP have so far provided no information, but Yellowknife lawyer James Brydon has confirmed that his client, Gary Football, has been charged in connection with the incident.

Brydon said Football has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, and unlawful confinement. Brydon couldn't say how old the man is, but the victim's sister said he is 27.

Football is being held at the North Slave Correctional Centre in Yellowknife.

A show-cause hearing was held last week. His next court appearance is Sept. 13.

He was arrested last Tuesday after a woman was brought to the Rae health centre with numerous injuries.

Her sister says she looked like someone who had been drowned.

"The first time I saw her I couldn't even look at her," the sister said.

"I was just crying and crying."

The woman said her sister is conscious and talking with family members and police, but her injuries are numerous, including cuts to her body, and several broken bones and teeth. Part of her kidney was removed during surgery, the sister said.

She plans to head for Edmonton, Tuesday, to be with her sister and family members already gathered there.

"Every night I pray with my kids and her kids for her to get better, and for other people too who are sick like that," the sister said.

"I pray to Jesus to make our community safe."