Quebec man opts for superior court trial on sex charge

Evan Audet, 21, of Shannon, Que., is accused of sexually assaulting someone over the course of four months in 2019 in Oromocto

A Quebec man charged with a serious count of sexual assault alleging a crime four years ago in the capital region has opted to be tried at a superior level of court.

Evan Audet, 21, of Shannon, Que., wasn’t present in Fredericton provincial court when his case was called Tuesday, but local defence lawyer Isabelle Caissie appeared on his behalf.

Courtroom No. 5 in Fredericton’s Justice Building. (Photo: Don MacPherson/The Fredericton Independent)

Audet is charged by the RCMP with sexually assaulting a complainant - whose identity is protected - between Aug.. 11, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2019, in Oromocto.

Since the charge is a more serious, indictable count, Audet had the option to choose the level of court in which he wished to be tried: provincial court, the Court of King’s Bench with a judge and jury, or the Court of King’s Bench before a judge alone.

Caissie said her client was elected trial in King’s Bench by a judge alone, without a jury.

When a defendant elects trial in the Court of King’s Bench, he or she doesn’t enter a plea until the charge is read to them at that level of court when a trial is set to begin.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc referred the matter to the next Court of King’s Bench motions day to schedule the superior court trial.

You can contact Don MacPherson at ftonindependent@gmail.com.