Caleb Heaton pleads guilty to aggravated sexual assault in violent Strathcona attack

Caleb Heatonhas pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault in a violent Strathconaattackin March.

During the brutal assault, Heaton allegedlybarged into the woman's house armed with a weapon on March 26, tied up the victim, choked her using clothing,and sexually assaulted her with a rock and a knife, according to the court documents.

A Good Samaritan heard the woman's screams andintervened, getting into a fight with the assailant, police said. Several other people rushed to the aid of the woman.

Thewoman was taken to hospitalwith what police called "significant" but notlife-threatening injuries, and has since been released.

Heaton faced seven charges. On Tuesday, hepleaded guilty to three of themaggravated sexual assault,unlawful confinementand break and enter and showed little emotion during his court appearance. He wore a red shirt andlooked down as the guilty pleas were entered.

The other four charges against him will go forward now, according to Heaton's lawyer.

He has at least40 criminal convictions in Ontario, including aggravated assault, breaking and entering and possession of a weapon.

Heaton has been in custody since his arrest.The judge granted the Crown's requestto haveHeaton assessed for dangerous offender status.

His sentencing date has been set for Aug. 31.