John Curran
Northern News Services

Fort Good Hope (Oct 10/05) - A Fort Good Hope woman was left near death after a vicious sexual assault late last month.

"She was flown to Edmonton right away due to the extent of her injuries," said RCMP Const. Greg Fast.

The officer said he could not comment on the Sept. 22, incident as it is an ongoing investigation. Police are still waiting to interview the victim.

He said the accused, Adrian Kelly, 36, is known to police due to his prior criminal record.

Kelly had been previously charged for another sexual assault but was acquitted in 2001.

He has a lengthy criminal record, including one count of assault.

According to community elder Edward Gardebois, the community has been devastated by crime.

"Me and other people here in town aren't too happy," he said. "That poor girl ... her nose was all broken and one of her eyes was falling out."

He said he thinks the only reason the girl survived is because she was dropped off at the nursing station after the incident.

Kelly has been charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats, unlawful confinement and driving while disqualified.

He is expected to make a court appearance in Fort Good Hope on Oct. 13.

Gardebois added that it is a shame people in other places only hear about Fort Good Hope when something bad happens.

"It is a good place with many good people," he said. "It used to be rough, but people have really slowed down - it's only some of the younger guys that are still causing problems.

"There was a guy that showed up here with cocaine not too long ago, but they kicked him out right away."