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Decision day for man facing sex assualt, confinement and firearms charges

A decision is expected today in a trial for a Central Alberta man accused of sexual assault, unlawful confinement and pointing a firearm.

A decision is expected today in a trial for a Central Alberta man accused of sexual assault, unlawful confinement and pointing a firearm.

The Crown prosecution and a defence lawyer are expected to give closing arguments in the morning in Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench. Justice Monica Bast said she wanted to render her decision later today.

A sweeping publication ban is in place that prohibits publication of the name of the accused and any information that could lead to identification of the alleged victim. The dates and locations of the alleged events, and even the name of the defence lawyer, fall under the umbrella of the ban.

The third day of the trial on Thursday included a lengthy voir dire on whether a videotaped statement provided by the alleged victim could be accepted as evidence. Bast ruled that the interview could become an exhibit in the trial.

A voir dire is a trial within a trial held to determine if evidence heard can be admitted into the trial proper. Two other similar voir dires have dominated this week’s proceedings.

A motion was also made by a defence lawyer to have the unlawful confinement charge dropped. Not enough evidence was presented to support the charge, said the lawyer.

Bast disagreed, saying there does not have to be a lot of evidence to support that charge.