More info needed in sex assault case

The sex case against a former educational assistant has been adjourned again while the man’s lawyer seeks additional information from the Crown’s office.

Only the Crown’s office may not have anymore information to give.

“He has everything we have,” Crown prosecutor Michael Fox said Friday during a brief hearing in Lethbridge provincial court.

An agent for the accused’s lawyer said a letter had been sent to the Crown’s office asking if all of the disclosure had been sent. The agent then asked for an adjournment while the Calgary lawyer waits for a reply.

The accused, who can’t be named under a court-ordered publication ban to avoid possibly identifying any complainants, was expected to enter pleas Friday on some of the charges or decide if he wants to be tried in Court of Queen's Bench or provincial court. During a hearing last month court was told the man's lawyer was waiting for instructions regarding an election and plea, which were to be entered Friday.

The accused, who was a respite care worker for people with developmental disabilities and an educational assistant with Palliser Regional Schools, 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.

Coaldale RCMP reported earlier there was no indication any of the offences occurred at the school where the man worked.

The 27-year-old man was initially charged in relation to one young person, and he previously pleaded not guilty and had elected to be tried by judge alone. He was later charged in relation to three additional young victims.

The matter is scheduled to return to court Oct. 27.

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