Defence in sex-crime case ponders new strategy

Jacob Cole, 20, of Scotchtown, elected King’s Bench trial with intent to test evidence in preliminary inquiry, but Crown’s filing of preferred indictment nixed that proceeding

Editor’s note: Jacob Cole was later acquitted of the charges against him after significant problems arose in the complainant’s testimony, with the Crown conceding the defendant should be found not guilty.

A Scotchtown man accused of sexually assaulting a child is scheduled to stand trial this fall, but the defence told a court Monday it might re-elect mode of trial given its loss of a preliminary inquiry.

Jacob Cole, 20, of Cottage Lane, stands accused of sexually assaulting a minor and touching that same child for a sexual purpose.

The charges allege Aug. 8, 2022, events in the Pepper Creek area of Fredericton, formerly known as Richibucto Road.