Accused prowler fit to stand trial

A 32-year-old Iqaluit man accused of entering two apartments in Iqaluit and sexually violating one woman on March 26 has pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

Crown lawyer Michael Jones accepted Michael Qaunirq’s guilty plea to the assault, and dropped two charges of break-and-enter.

Before the Crown presents the facts surrounding the case, Jones wants to review a victim impact statement.

Qaunirq has been in custody at the Baffin Correctional Centre since his arrest in March. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 20.

A recent psychiatric assessment at the Alberta Hospital in Edmonton determined Qaunirq was fit to stand trial if the matter had gone to trial.