Manfacing sex charges to defend himself

ALethbridge man accused of a number of sex offences has been denied legal assistance and will represent himself when he goes to trial. Gary James Lippa has exhausted his options to have a government-appointed lawyer represent him on charges of abduction, child luring, sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, making child pornography, accessing child pornography and possessing child pornography.

The 37-year-old accused was previously denied coverage by Legal Aid, and Tuesday in Lethbridge court, with the help of a lawyer, he asked a judge to approve a Rowbotham application, which would have granted him court-ordered counsel. The application was denied, however, and Wednesday Lippa told court he would represent himself.

Police reported in March that they received information in September 2017 that a man was engaged in sexual online chats with an underage girl. Police also said they believe nude photos were exchanged, as well.

ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit alleged the suspect made deceptive arrangements to meet with the victim and enticed her away from her caregivers, which, under the Criminal Code of Canada, constitutes abduction.

When the two met in person, the girl was sexually assaulted, ALERT said.

Lippa was assisted by Duty Counsel lawyer Brett Carlson during Wednesday’s hearing, who told court the accused wants to be tried by a Court of Queen’s Bench judge and jury, and have a preliminary hearing. The accused has also chosen to represent himself, rather than hire a lawyer, Carlson added.

Crown prosecutor Tyler Raymond said the preliminary hearing, to determine if there is enough evidence to warrant a trial, is expected to run three days. A pre-trial conference to schedule a date for the hearing will be held in the next few weeks, and the matter will return to court Aug. 29 to confirm the date.

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