WINNIPEG — Only a life sentence can protect the community from a young aspiring serial killer who has shown no signs he's interested in rehabilitation, a judge was told Wednesday.

"No one really knows when (the accused) can safely be released," Crown attorney Cindy Sholdice said. "For the benefit and the safety of the community, a life sentence is the only option."

The now 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to 14 charges for a horrifying home invasion in 2010 that saw a family of four subjected to acts of extreme violence and sexual degradation.

Court heard the man cultivated obsessive rape and torture fantasies for years and dreamed of becoming the next Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in history.

The man was treated by at least three psychiatrists before his arrest but never truly wanted help for his murderous desires, the Crown alleges.

"Simply articulating that you want help doesn't mean you really want it," Sholdice said.

A life sentence doesn't mean the court has given up on rehabilitation, Sholdice said.

"It means he will be released when he is ready."

dean.pritchard@sunmedia.ca
Twitter: @deanatwpgsun