Sex assault trial to continue in June

May 3, 2019 | 3:53 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A four-day sex assault trial in Court of Queen’s Bench in Lethbridge has been adjourned for more than a month, after the Crown concluded its case Thursday, May 2.

A 75-year-old man from a small, rural southern Alberta town is facing nine charges including two counts each of sexual exploitation, obtaining sexual services and one count each of sexual assault, threats causing death, harassment and two counts of forgery related offences. The alleged incidents occurred between 2013, and 2017.

The name of the victim can not be released, because she was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged offences. The name of the accused also can not be released, because it may identify the complainant.

During the first four days, Crown Lawyer Lisa Weich called the now 19-year-old alleged victim to testify. Her account included the elderly man allegedly inappropriately touching her when she was 13 years old and being paid for oral and vaginal sex when she was 17-years-old, as she worked at a local campground. She also testified that she and her family were threatened.

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The Crown also called several other witnesses, including the young woman’s mother, step-father, ex-boyfriend, and a forgery expert.

Defense Lawyer Greg White told the court he would need at least a day and a half for his witnesses to testify, including the 75-year-old accused.

The trial, in front of Judge D.B. Nixon will commence June 6, 2019 with the Defence’s case still to be heard.

by Lara Fominoff