Woman tells Calgary trial man accused of sexual assault offered her construction work

One of seven women who have accused a man of sexual assault says she was trying to leave the sex trade when he approached her on the street and offered her construction work.

One of seven women who have accused a man of sexual assault says she was trying to leave the sex trade when he approached her on the street and offered her construction work.

The woman, who can't be identified because of a publication ban, testified she got in the man's car and went with him to a rural property, where she says he attacked her.

Richard Robert Mantha, who is 59, faces 20 charges that include kidnapping, threats causing bodily harm, sexual assault with a weapon and administering a noxious substance.

He was denied bail last summer and has been in custody since he was arrested in April 2023.

Mantha, who has ties to Quebec, has requested a French-language trial, which is relatively rare in Alberta's provincial courts but legally required.

That trial began this morning with the first witness, whose English testimony is being interpreted into French for Mantha as needed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2024.