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Serial sexual assault suspect Richard Mantha will learn next week whether he’ll be freed on bail pending trial.
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Justice John Bascom reserved his decision Thursday after hearing lengthy evidence and submissions from defence counsel Kim Arial and Crown prosecutor Rose Greenwood.
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Bascom told the lawyers he will hand down a decision June 30.
At Arial’s request, Bascom ordered a publication ban on the proceedings, when the hearing got underway June 6.
It had been adjourned for continuation on Thursday after Bascom indicated he would like to hear evidence regarding one of the proposed conditions for Mantha’s release.
Mantha, 59, faces 20 charges in connection with allegations he sexually abused five women leading vulnerable lifestyles, including four allegations he drugged his victims.
He was already facing an allegation of sexual assault and assault causing bodily harm laid by Strathmore RCMP in connection with an April 8, 2022, incident, when police conducted a massive raid on a property east of Chestermere.
The days-long search over the Easter long weekend occurred on an acreage on Vale View Road between Chestermere and Langdon conducted by Calgary police and members of the RCMP.
