Lawyers discuss resolution in sex-crime case
Quebec man faces sexual-assault, sexual-interference charges from when he was teen
A Quebec man accused of sex crimes dating back more than a decade likely won’t be heading to trial, as Crown and defence lawyers are discussing a resolution in the case, court heard Wednesday.
A 26-year-old man from Quebec City faces three indictable charges stemming from events alleged to have occurred more than 10 years ago.
He’s accused of sexually assaulting an underage complainant, touching that minor for a sexual purpose and inviting that same complainant to touch him for a sexual purpose, all between July 1, 2010 and Aug. 31, 2015, in Oromocto.
Because the defendant was under the age of 18 at the time, the charges are being dealt with in youth court. As per the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the defendant’s identity can’t be published.
The 26-year-old man wasn’t present when the case was called in Fredericton youth court Wednesday, but defence lawyer Adrian Forsythe appeared on his behalf, noting he was acting as an agent for the man’s counsel, Nathan Gorham.
Forsythe acknowledged Wednesday’s proceedings marked the third appearance in the case without pleas, but he asked for a further adjournment.
“Just to finalize resolution talks with the Crown,” he said.
The defence lawyer also said the defendant is facing related charges in another jurisdiction, and his defence team was looking to address those issues before resolving the matter.
What those other charges are and where they’re alleged to have occurred weren’t discussed in youth court Wednesday.
Prosecutor Rachel Anstey confirmed that was the case and noted the Crown was consenting to the defence adjournment request.
Judge Cameron Gunn set the matter over to Jan. 31.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.