The sexual assault case involving local business owner Richard Lowes has been deferred for a 33rd time.
In March of 2021, Lowes was charged with three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference with a person under the age of 16.
Mark Evans, lawyer for the accused, appeared in Welland virtual court on Friday, August 25. He told the court that he has been in discussions with Assistant Crown Prosecutor Stephanie Ford, who is assigned to the case, and is in the process of getting additional input from her with respect to a potential resolution.
The matter was adjourned by Justice of the Peace P.J. Lavallee to September 8 at 9 AM. A trial date has not been set. A court-ordered publication ban is in place, prohibiting the release of names of the victims and other details.
A butcher by profession, Lowes owns and operates the Country Corner Market, at Quaker Road and Line Avenue in Fonthill.
