A man and woman are facing a range of serious charges, including incest, sexual assault, and producing child pornography. They have decided to have their case moved to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. The identities of the children involved are protected by publication bans, so the couple’s names cannot be disclosed. They have opted for a trial by judge only, waiving a jury trial, as they appeared in provincial court in St. John’s.
The man appeared via video from a correctional facility and is being represented by lawyer Kia Andersen. His female co-accused, also in custody, was not present but was represented by lawyers Jeff Brace and Matthew Brown.
The couple will have a court date at the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John’s, where their charges will be formally presented, and they will be asked to enter a plea, possibly in early September. The woman previously had a bail hearing in June, during which the Crown planned to show graphic videos related to the case. Her bail request was denied by Judge Harold Porter.
In addition to the primary charges, the couple also faces multiple counts of sexual interference, permitting sexual activity in their home, corrupting children, and inviting sexual touching. The woman faces two extra charges for exposing herself to a minor under 16. The man, who has agreed to stay in custody until the trial, faces an additional charge of bestiality related to an incident involving a dog.