Elizabeth Smart to speak during Brian David Mitchell sentencing today
(CBS/KUTV/AP) SALT LAKE CITY - Nearly nine years after she was taken at knifepoint, raped and held captive, Elizabeth Smart is set to publicly confront her kidnapper, Brian David Mitchell, for the first time during his sentencing hearing today.
Mitchell, 57, was convicted of federal kidnapping and unlawful transportation charges in December and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He kidnapped then 14-year-old Smart from her home at knifepoint in 2002.
Smart, now 23, testified at Mitchell's trial, but never addressed him directly, because he was routinely removed for disrupting the proceedings for singing.
She was a steady, clear-voiced witness who never wavered with emotion, even as she described the horrific events of what she called her "nine months of hell."
Smart has said her goal in speaking at the sentencing is to speak for other victims.
"I hope it gives others hope that they can speak out and not be scared to face their captor," Smart said according to CBS affiliate KUTV.
In interviews with Utah media last week, she said she did not yet know what she would say at the sentencing. Her father, Ed Smart, is also expected to address Mitchell, said a spokesman for the family.
Smart recently returned from a Mormon church mission to France.
Once the sentencing hearing is over, Smart hopes to continue work as an advocate for children and victims of crime, especially kidnapping. She has started the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and her first goal is to get the RADkids program in public schools. RAD, which stands for "Resist Aggression Defensively," teaches kids specific techniques to get away from would-be attackers.
Smart will complete two more semesters at Brigham Young University before graduating with a degree in music.
She said she admired the work of attorneys during the trial and is thinking about possibly pursuing a career as an attorney to further help crime victims.
Complete coverage of Elizabeth Smart on Crimesider
