On the same day the teenager accused in a gruesome attack made his first appearance in court, the sons of the 62-year-old alleged victim spoke to CTV News about the ordeal.

The 17-year-old male accused in the assault briefly appeared in court for the first time Friday morning.

The Crown is seeking an adult sentence for the teenager if he's convicted – due to the violent nature of the attack.

"I was devastated when I looked at him," The victim's son said after the court appearance of the accused. "I could see nothing but my mom in hospital."

Identities of the victim's sons are being concealed to protect the mother's privacy.

"I cannot recognize her face, and I am her son."

The woman is still in critical condition at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, CTV News has learned her injuries are so severe she can't speak, and police have not been able to interview her about the bloody events of Tuesday night.

Police said at about 9:45 Tuesday night, the 62-year-old woman was walking near 93 Street and 103 Avenue, when a male she didn't know allegedly assaulted, and robbed her.

She was found hours later, steps away from her home, suffering from severe injuries.

Her son says she was coming home from work when the she was assaulted, and her other son is still in disbelief his mother was attacked at all.

"This incident happened right in front of my mother's front door. Where can we feel safe in this community?

"How can a human being do such things to a human being?"

He said his mother had walked the same route to and from a downtown high-rise where she worked as a janitor thousands of times, since the family moved to Canada from China 25 years ago.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named under the Young Offender's Act, has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, and robbery.

"If there is any justice to this crime, we really want to see the criminal locked up indefinitely," The victim's son said, outside the Provincial Law Courts Friday.

Meanwhile, the victim has her own fight ahead, but her family has faith she will pull through.

"I know my mother is a good fighter, so I believe she can wake up."

With files from Scott Roberts