Caleb Heaton makes court appearance in Strathcona sex assault case

Caleb Heaton, the man facing seven charges in a violent sex assault in the Strathcona neighbourhood of Vancouver, appeared in court this morning.

Heaton leaned against a glass door talking to his lawyer. He wore a peach t-shirt and red pants.

The charges laid against him includeaggravated sexual assault,breaking and entering,robbery and unlawful confinement. Proceedings were held over until April 16.

Heaton's lawyer, John Turner, would not comment on whether his client would be applying for bail.

Heaton has at least 40 criminal convictions in Ontario, including aggravated assault, break and enter and possession of a weapon.

The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but has since been released, according to police.

Aman armed with a weapon barged into the woman's housejust after noon on March 26, tied her up, choked her using clothing,and sexually assaulted her with a rock and a knife, according to the court documents.

Another man heard the woman'sscreams and intervened, getting into a fight with the assailant. Several other people rushed to the aid of the woman.

The struggle spilled out onto the street, and they held the suspect until police arrived.