Nikita Dedam sentenced for knifing boyfriend in the head
A Moncton woman charged with attempted murder, but who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, has been sentenced to 30 months for stabbing her boyfriend in October.
Nikita Dedam was arrested Oct. 2 after a night of drinking that led to a fight with her boyfriend and the man stabbed in the head.
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, the Crown’s Marc Savoie said that night RCMP were called to an apartment on High Street.
They arrived to find the victim sitting outside on the front steps bleeding profusely from the head. He told officers he’d been stabbed by the 28-year-old Dedam. The fight began after Dedam asked her boyfriend to sleep in another room that night.
The man was taken to hospital where doctors stitched up a 10 centimetre gash on the right side of his head.
Savoie told court Dedam was passed out when police forced their way into the apartment and a steak knife found on the counter. She was also belligerent dealing with officers.
In rehab at 14
Defence lawyer Stephane Pelletier told the court Dedam came from an alcoholic and abusive background on the Burnt Church reserve. She started drinking at age 11 and was in rehab by the time she was 14 years old.
At the time of the offence, she was attending the New Brunswick Community College in Moncton taking a one year cooking program and doesn't recall what happened that night.
Pelletier says Dedam has since pleaded guilty, is remorseful and hopes to get help for her alcohol problem while at the Nova Institute for Women in Truro.
Both the Crown and defence recommended the 30-month sentence. Dedam is also being given credit for time served. She has a previous record with a similar incident in 2009 also involving domestic violence with a knife.
Dedam was allowed to speak to the court before sentencing, telling the judge she was sorry for her actions. The victim refused to give an impact statement.
Condition of no weapons possession
Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman noted Dedam’s previous history and said at the time of the offence she was on an undertaking for another assault.
Dugas-Horsman said the assault could have been more serious, but agreed with the joint recommendation of 30 months. She also added a condition that Dedam with not be able to possess weapons for life.
Credit for time served means Dedam has about two and a half years remaining.
As Dedam was leaving court, the judge said, "I hope you get the help that you require" and wished her good luck.
