Midland man, 19, accused of stabbing man 20 times granted bail on $100K pledge

19-year-old Griffin Black, who has been behind bars for over a month, has been accused of attempted murder, assault with a weapon and aggravated assault.

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A Midland, Ont. man accused of stabbing a 64-year-old man 20 times has been granted bail set at a $100,000 pledge after a special hearing.

Griffin Black, 19, who has been behind bars for more than a month, is accused of attempted murder, assault with a weapon and aggravated assault.

Police said Black stabbed the man about 20 times at a Hannah Street home in downtown Midland on Oct. 19. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police confirmed the two men knew each other. At this time, CTV News will not be identifying the complainant.

Black made his first court appearance while in hospital, days after the incident. The court heard Black has a history of self-harm and suicidal ideation and recently spent about 13 months at a treatment facility.

Police have not revealed the circumstances leading up to the alleged stabbing at the home. The defence said Black was found at the scene, when police arrived, covered in blood, gripping a knife, and curled up on the ground in a ball.

Black’s parents proposed themselves as his sureties under strict conditions, including house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor and continued treatment.

The defence argued Black’s mental health care would be better managed at home by his parents rather than in jail. The justice of the peace said while the Crown’s case against Black is strong, he could be released once the GPS ankle monitor is installed. Other measures cited by the justice of the peace included constant supervision by his parents and no communication with the complainant or witnesses.

His next court appearance is scheduled for December in Midland. The allegations against Griffin Black have not been tested in court.