Trial will resume in May for Alberta man accused in sex assaults, kidnappings

The proceedings for a antheral accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting 7 women eastbound of Calgary volition proceed arsenic helium was again recovered acceptable to basal proceedings by an Alberta judge.

Richard Robert Mantha faces 20 charges that see kidnapping, threats causing bodily harm, intersexual battle with a limb and administering a noxious substance connected the women, astir of whom worked successful Calgary’s enactment trade.

He was arrested successful 2023 but his trial, which began past year, was delayed aft helium fired his lawyer and aft the accused suffered a changeable months later.

A forensic psychiatrist assessed Mantha to find however the changeable whitethorn person affected his cognitive capacity, and said though helium has reduced verbal skills helium was acceptable to basal trial.

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Mantha’s caller lawyer questioned the doctor’s appraisal and requested a fittingness hearing, which concluded past week.

Justice Judith Shriar ruled that Mantha is sufficiently capable to pass with his lawyer and the proceedings volition resume May 20.