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Preliminary hearing set for man accused of sexually assaulting teen

Aug 29, 2018 | 12:20 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for early next year for a 37-year-old Lethbridge man, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl and multiple child pornography offences.

The three-day prelim for Gary Lippa will determine if there is enough evidence for the matter to proceed to trial and is set to proceed Jan. 30, 2019. Lippa previously elected trial by judge and jury, should the case move forward from the prelim.

During a court appearance Wednesday morning, Aug. 29, the Crown also applied for a court order that Lippa receive legal representation for one portion of the prelim and the trial, which was granted by the judge. Lippa is self-represented – having been denied coverage by Legal Aid – and because the complainant is under the age of 18 and the case involves allegations of a sexual offence, the Crown said Lippa should not be able to cross examine her. Instead, the order will see Lippa provided with a lawyer for the sole purpose of cross examining the alleged victim.

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