Sex-assault case adjourned to review new charges

A 27-year-old man facing sexrelated charges has been granted another court adjournment to allow his lawyer time to review new charges involving additional complainants.

The accused, who can’t be identified under a court-ordered publication ban, faces new charges in relation to three young victims, in addition to offences with which he was initially charged in relation to one young person. He previously pleaded not guilty to the original charges and had elected to be tried by judge alone.

The man now faces six counts of sexual assault, six counts of sexual interference, two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of invitation to sexual touching, all in relation to underage individuals.

During a court hearing Friday, an agent for the man’s lawyer said defence hadn’t received disclosure on the new charges and he requested an adjournment. The Crown noted the information had been mailed out that morning.

The accused was a respite care worker for people with developmental disabilities and an educational assistant with Palliser Regional Schools but was fired after the division learned of the charges in February. Coaldale RCMP reported earlier there was no indication any of the offences occurred at the school where the man worked.

During a previous court hearing the man’s release conditions were amended to allow him contact with several children, after a group of parents made the request.

The case returns to court Sept. 8.