By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Man accused of sexually assaulting teen intends to represent himself at trial

Jul 25, 2018 | 10:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE – A 37-year-old Lethbridge man accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl and multiple child pornography offences, intends to represent himself at trial.

During an appearance Wednesday morning, July 25, it was revealed that Gary Lippa’s application to have court ordered counsel appointed was dismissed in Court of Queen’s Bench, after he had previously been denied Legal Aid coverage.

With the assistance of duty counsel, Lippa then elected trial by judge and jury. He also asked for a preliminary inquiry, which will determine if there is enough evidence for the matter to proceed to trial.

While the judge questioned if Lippa should be representing himself on such significant charges and with the Crown estimating 10 days for a trial, duty counsel suggested that they go ahead with a three-day prelim first and then Lippa can decide whether to continue on his own or hire a lawyer.

The matter was then adjourned to Aug. 29, giving Lippa a chance to coordinate with the Crown to hold a pre-trial conference and find a date for the prelim.

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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.