Sexual assault trial delayed a full year as accused changes counsel

The alleged incident for which the trial was rescheduled, dates back to April 29, 2016.

A copy of the indictment in that case shows that Sheppard faces charges of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and two counts of possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence.

At this time, no further details have been revealed.

Attempted murder case

Sheppard’s other matter before the court is in relation to an alleged incident earlier this year.

In that case, Lethbridge Police say that around 9 p.m. on April 15, the tactical team and frontline officers responded to reports of shots being fired at a home along Heritage Blvd. West.

Four people managed to escape safely, and police cordoned off the area and searched the home. They then shifted their attention to the suspect’s residence in Dalhousie Court West, and he was finally located and arrested by the RCMP near Granum, following a pursuit.

Sheppard was charged with attempted murder, discharging a firearm into a place, resisting arrest, careless use of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, pointing a firearm, assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession in a vehicle, possession of a weapon obtained by the commission of an offence, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Earlier this month, Sheppard entered pleas of not guilty and elected trial by judge alone. That case will be back in court next month to schedule a trial date.

by Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Sexual assault trial delayed a full year as accused changes counsel

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