The 42-year-old accused in the brutal stabbing of Lenore Wirtz at Credit Creek Clothing Company on July 11 is to appear for a second time in Orangeville bail court today (Thursday).

Robert Francis Richards appeared before Justice of the Peace Liisa Ritchie last Friday, clad in prison garb but well groomed. He was represented by Orangeville lawyer Carrie Bellan, who obtained a ban on publication of evidence adduced at the hearing.

The prisoner, of no fixed address, was arrested at a Mississauga motel on Monday, July 13, and charged with attempted murder. Ms. Wirtz's missing Volvo was recovered at the motel during the arrest.

Since then, the number of charges against him has risen to seven, including sexual assault, choking, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, forcible confinement and theft over $5,000 in addition to attempted murder.

Following the attack, Ms. Wirtz was found badly injured outside the store.

Orangeville Police Service, which investigated the savage attack under the supervision of an OPP detective inspector, credited Peel Regional Police and Provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) with locating the suspect.

The victim's husband, Karl Wirtz, has expressed his gratitude to all police forces for their speedy apprehension of a suspect, as well as Emergency Service and personnel at Headwaters and Sunnybrook health centres for their expert care.

Contacted Wednesday, Mr. Wirtz said he and the rest of the family are hopeful that Ms. Wirtz would be released from hospital by the weekend.

"Her courage and strength has been an inspiration to me and our three girls" said Mr. Wirtz.