The trial for a local man facing charges of assault and sexual assault will continue later this month in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom.
Andrew Jacques, 37, was arrested in Sault Ste. Marie by the Ontario Provincial Police on March 2, 2022. He was charged with assault, assault with a weapon, mischief, uttering death threats and sexual assault.
Those charges are currently before the court and Jacques is considered innocent until proven guilty. Jacques is currently on bail conditions.
In an effort to protect the identity of the alleged victim, SooToday is not reporting their identity, gender, how they knew the accused or what time period the alleged offences took place. A publication ban is also in place for this trial to protect the victim.
The indictment alleges that Jacques carried a knife in the charge of assault with a weapon.
Jacques elected for a trial by judge alone.
A three-day trial began on Sept. 9 in front of Justice Annalisa Rasaiah, but was halted the following day when defence attorney Anthony Orazietti needed to attend to a family emergency.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Oct. 22 and Nov. 29 at the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse.