Lawyer for woman charged in attempted abduction waiting for disclosure

The lawyer for a 21-year-old Lethbridge man charged in connection with an attempted abduction in Lethbridge, says her client is suffering from mental health issues, and has been in and out of the hospital since he was charged last summer.

During a hearing recently in Lethbridge provincial court, Calgary lawyer Jeanine Zahara referred to some of the challenges facing her client, Heinrich Van Daniel Blanco, and added she still needs more disclosure on the case, particularly information about several 911 calls to the police.

The matter, which has been adjourned several times while defence waits for disclosure, was adjourned again to March 4 to allow time for defence to receive the missing disclosure. The Crown also suggested more time is needed to discuss a possible resolution of the charges.

At about noon on Aug. 31 police responded to an attempted abduction in the 100 block of Mic Mac Boulevard and Red Crow Boulevard West. Police reported the driver of a silver car pulled up to a 13-year-old boy and offered to give him a ride to the store to buy candy. The boy refused and the vehicle drove away.

Police investigators identified the vehicle and prepared a composite drawing of the subject, which, coupled with tips from the public, led to the identity of a suspect.

Blanco is charged with one count of attempted abduction of a person under the age of 14 years old.

He was granted bail following his arrest but must adhere to several release conditions. He also faces a charge of dangerous driving.

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