Judge dismisses application to stay convictions in high-profile sexual assault case

An Alberta judge has dismissed an application to stay the convictions of a man who was found guilty of a violent sexual assault on a young indigenous woman.
Lance David Blanchard was convicted in December 2016 of aggravated assault, kidnapping, unlawful confinement, aggravated sexual assault, possession of a weapon, threatening to cause death or bodily harm and breach of recognizance.
A 28-day hearing began in April centred around his treatment in the Edmonton Remand Centre prior to sentencing a