“We are not alleging a worst-case scenario where Mr. McArthur was roaming the streets as a violent predator looking for a victim.”The words were spoken by Crown attorney Michael Leshner in a Toronto courtroom in January 2003, as Bruce McArthur pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a metal pipe) and assault causing bodily harm on a man in his own home.McArthur, now 66, would go on to be labelled an alleged serial killer, having already been charged this year with five counts of first-degree murder, with Toronto police saying there are likely more victims. But in 2003, McArthur was before the court for the first time with no criminal record. A court recording of the guilty plea, obtained by the Star after being granted a court order this week, has provided new details on the attack, including the fact that McArthur himself went to police to say he may have hurt someone. Read more: With remains of six victims found in Bruce McArthur case, police anticipate more chargesLeaside couple in shock as planters with human remains found at their homePolice made quick decision to arrest Bruce McArthur to protect life of young man: sourcesThe court proceedings also make clear that a motive for the attack has never been determined. “We may never know why Mr. McArthur acted in the way that he did, he doesn’t know at this point. The issue on sentencing will be, bearing that in mind: What sentence is necessary to make sure it doesn’t happen again?” Leshner told now-retired Ontario Court Justice William Bassel. It was just after noon on Oct. 31 2001, when McArthur arrived at the victim’s apartment in Toronto’s Gay Village and was allowed into the building by the victim. “He thought there was no issue with regards to security or safety, by allowing Mr. McArthur into the building,” Leshner said. “The complainant is also admitting he advertised in gay publications as a male hustler . . . . He’s acknowledging t ...
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