Quebec MNA Harold LeBel back in court in connection with sexual assault charge

LeBel was expelled from the PQ caucus after his arrest last December.

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Harold LeBel, independent MNA for the riding of Rimouski, was back in court on Tuesday facing a charge of sexual assault that was filed against him in December.

Defence lawyer Ariane Gagnon-Rocque told Quebec court judge Richard Côté her client would seek trial by jury.

The case was then scheduled to resume April 6 at which point LeBel’s trial date is scheduled to be determined.

On Jan. 11, LeBel announced through his lawyer he would plead not guilty to the charge, which alleges the assault took place in 2017. The identity of the alleged victim is protected by a publication ban.The 58-year-old LeBel was arrested Dec. 15 by the Sûreté du Québec and expelled from the Parti Québécois caucus soon after.

Prosecutor Manon Gaudreault has said the evidence against LeBel consists of three audio-visual recordings that will be transcribed for the court. On Tuesday she told the court she intended to provide the defence with documents presently in the possession of investigators, noting that the documents will not be redacted.

News of LeBel’s arrest had a bombshell effect on the National Assembly, where the MNA enjoyed a good reputation. He recently informed the National Assembly he will not be sitting in the legislature over the next few weeks, working instead in his riding.