Nova Scotia Legal Aid will not represent a 47 year-old man charged with kidnapping, sexual assault and forcible confinement. David James Leblanc's court appearance in Bridgewater was brief and quickly set over this morning in order to give him more time to seek private counsel. He is accused of confining and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy last month in Upper Chelsea. Legal aid lawyer Barry Whynot says a conflict of interest handcuffs their ability to represent Leblanc. However, Whynot says their office will help the accused find private representation.
Leblanc is facing seven charges in total and will remain in custody until his next court appearance. He appeared today in Bridgewater provincial court, three weeks after he was arrested in northern Ontario. He appeared to be in better health but still wore bandages on his frostbitten feet. The matter has been adjourned until November 14th.
