Sex-abuse case headed to King’s Bench trial
Grand Lake man opts for superior court to hear his case on sexual-touching allegation
A Grand Lake-area man opted this week to be tried in the Court of King’s Bench on a charge alleging he touched an underage family member for a sexual purpose.
The 55-year-old defendant appeared in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday with defence counsel Edward Derrah to answer to a charge of sexual interference.
The charge alleges the defendant touched a minor for a sexual purpose with his genitals between June 23, 2021, and June 23, 2023, in the Youngs Cove area.
There’s a court-ordered publication ban protecting the identity of the young complainant, and since there’s a familial relationship between that child and the accused, the Fredericton Independent isn’t naming the defendant either.
The Grand Lake man elected Wednesday to be tried in the Court of King’s Bench before a judge alone, without a jury, on the charge.
Crown prosecutor Rachel Anstey said it’s expected about a day of court time would be required for a preliminary inquiry.
Such hearings are held in provincial court to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to set more serious charges over for trial at a higher level of court.
Judge Cameron Gunn set the matter over to Nov. 22 to allow the defence to identify the issues it wishes to explore at the preliminary inquiry. Once that happens, the court will schedule a date for the hearing.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.