Nunavut Court sets new trial date for Qikiqtarjuaq man accused of attempted murder

The trial of James Joanasie Newkingnak, charged with four counts in connection with the attack of another man in 2010, has been scheduled for Nov. 7 in the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit. (FILE PHOTO)

The trial for Qikiqtarjuaq man charged in connection with a brutal attack on another Qikiqtarjuaq man in 2010 has been scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit.

James Joanasie Newkingnak, now 26, faces charges which include attempted murder, failure to comply with an undertaking, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, and possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, in connection with that May 2010 incident.

In 2010, a Qikiqtarjuaq man, 25, suffered “life-threatening injuries” in the incident, which occurred at a house in the community during the late morning.

Newkingnak’s trial was postponed May 29, and then fixed for November, to allow more time for the Crown prosecutor to get updated information on a psychiatric disorder — intermittent explosive disorder — a disorder that Newkingnak has since been diagnosed with.

At the time of the 2010 incident, the Nunavut RCMP sent investigators into the community from its major crimes, forensic and police dog units to gather evidence. Later, police arrested Newkingnak.

At the same time, police laid three other charges against Newkingnak in relation to other incidents: two counts of sexual interference, and one count of sexual assault.