Woman left in coma by brutal attack in Lethbridge able to speak to family

A woman who was put in a medically induced coma after she was brutally attacked in Lethbridge more than a month ago is now able to communicate with gestures, nods and some words, says her family in a Facebook post.

• Bail hearing set for Lethbridge man charged with attempted murder, sexual assault

Denzel Dre Colton Bird, 20, is accused of randomly attacking and sexually assaulting the woman as she was walking to work on Sept. 30.

His bail hearing was adjourned Thursday after his lawyer told the judge he might not be able to handle the case.

It's alleged Birdstruck her with a weapon before dragging her into an alley, where she was later discovered by a passerby.

Bird appeared via CCTV, but defence lawyer Greg White told Judge Derek Redman a possible conflict of interest might make it necessary for his clientto find other counsel.

The woman recently emerged from her coma and has been able to speak some words as well as smile, laugh and sit up,her family says.

"How blessed are we?!! We get to see her beautiful eyes, hear her voice and also her wonderful giggles," the Facebook post said.

A fundraiser is being held this weekend insupport of the woman'srecovery.

Bird is charged with attempted murder and sexual assault. He will appear in court again on Nov. 10.

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