By Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

Trial to go ahead for man accused of sexually assaulting 13-year-old

Jan 21, 2019 | 2:17 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A trial will go ahead by direct indictment for a 38-year-old Lethbridge man, accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl and multiple child pornography offences.

A three-day preliminary hearing originally scheduled for the end of January and early February was cancelled Monday, Jan. 21.

Four of 10 charges against Gary Lippa, including one count of child abduction, and two counts of child luring were also stayed at Lethbridge Provincial Court.

The remaining charges against him in Court of Queen’s Bench include possession of child pornography, making/distributing/publishing child pornography, luring a child, invitation to sexual touching and sexual assault.

On Feb.11, Lippa is expected to enter a plea, and decide whether he would like to proceed with either a judge and jury, or by judge alone. Because he was denied legal aid, he is also expected to represent himself. However, lawyer Miranda Hlady has been appointed to assist him, should he ask for direction, according to Calgary Crown lawyer Carolyn Ayre.

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Lippa was arrested at his home on Feb. 22, 2018, at which time authorities seized several of his computers and electronic devices. He was later charged with child luring, abduction, sexual assault, sexual interference, and making, accessing and possessing child pornography.

According to ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE), their investigation started when they received information in September of 2017. It was reported that a man was allegedly engaging in sexual online chats with an underage girl and that nude photos were exchanged.

They further allege that the man made deceptive arrangements to draw the girl away from her caregivers so they could meet, at which time she was sexually assaulted.

by Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

Trial to go ahead for man accused of sexually assaulting 13-year-old

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