MNA Harold LeBel likely to face sexual assault charge in spring trial, quite close to election
Rimouski MNA Harold LeBel is still waiting to know the date of his trial for sexual assault. But one thing seems clear: it will be this spring, not long before provincial election campaiging starts up.
During a videoconference hearing on Monday, Judge Raymond W. Pronovost said it could take place in April or early May 2022. The trial, which will take place by jury, is expected to last two weeks.
The judge said he should be ready to announce the exact date for by the end of the year. He said he is currently prioritizing older files.
Defence lawyer Maxime Roy had already indicated that his client wanted a trial as soon as possible. He said on Monday that April would suit him.
On the other hand, Roy warned against holding a trial against an MNA in the fall of 2022, when the Quebec election campaign will be in full swing.
LeBel was arrested on December 15, 2020 by police officers from the Sûreté du Québec, then expelled from the Parti Québécois for the duration of the legal process.
On January 11, 2021, he announced through his lawyer his intention to plead not guilty to the charge of sexual assault that has been brought against him.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred in 2017, and the identity of the alleged victim is protected by a publication ban.
The news of LeBel's arrest that month had the effect of a bomb on the National Assembly, where he had a good reputation.
He continues to sit as an independent, but he told the National Assembly last winter that he would not be physically sitting in parliament, preferring to focus on his constituency work.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Dec. 6, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.