WINNIPEG — A sexual assault victim was finally able to confront her attacker in court Monday following more than six years of legal delays.

Robin Spence, 31, was first arrested in June 2003 and pleaded guilty to sexual assault in December 2005. He then vanished while out on bail awaiting sentencing and spent nearly three years on the run until police re-arrested him on a warrant in May 2009.

"I just wanted to move on with my life," Spence told officers at the time.

Meanwhile, his victim's life has been on hold waiting for some finality to the legal proceedings. She moved one step closer on Monday when lawyers finally made their submissions and she got the chance to read her victim impact statement aloud.

"My self-confidence and self-esteem were instantaneously demolished. I was completely helpless and utterly powerless," the woman said in describing the attack.

The Crown is seeking a three-year prison sentence.

Spence's lawyer said he should be eligible for a conditional sentence that would allow him to remain in the community.

Queen's Bench Justice Brenda Keyser has reserved her decision until Nov. 26.

Spence attacked the woman — who was a friend of his mother's — after going to her home pretending to be sell her a camera lens, court was told. He told the woman he wanted to have sex with her but was rejected.

She fled into her bedroom but Spence followed her, pinned her on the bed and raped her.

"I was absolutely terrified I could be murdered. When it was over, I was relieved I was still alive," the woman told the court.

"I had no self-respect or self-esteem," she said. "Each time I saw a young aboriginal male after that, my heart jumped into my throat."

Spence then ate some food from her fridge and stole money from her wallet before fleeing.

Spence told police he was drunk and high on cocaine at the time of the attack, which he called "the wrongest decision I ever made."

The longtime sushi chef and local bartender had no prior criminal record.

"He was misguided in his thinking and how he interpreted things (with the victim)," said defence lawyer Kathy Bueti.