Calgary police officers tell of arrest in Richard Mantha rape, kidnapping trial
Posted Jan 25, 2024 1:07 pm.
The trial of Richard Robert Mantha continued Thursday in a Calgary courtroom.
On Tuesday, court heard from a victim who found out she was raped after she said a video surfaced showing the alleged incident.
Thursday morning, court was told about the arrest of Mantha, which took place just outside of Chestermere on April. 6, 2023.
Police said they got word Mantha was out driving his vehicle, and so they decided to perform a traffic stop.
Three Calgary police officers took the stand.
Officer Matthew Churchill testified that when he went to search Mantha, he found a wallet, a lighter, and a bag of methamphetamine.
Cst. Ryan Dillon said the wallet contained about $1,400 in cash.
Court also heard from Cst. Riley Babbot, who was a member of the CPS digital forensics team.
Several photos of Mantha’s Samsung phone were displayed in the court room.
During Babbot’s testimony, the Crown and defense asked for a break.
When court resumed, they said questions arose about the evidence.
The defense and Crown argued for an adjournment.
While speaking to the judge, the accused could be seen shaking his head and nodding.
Mantha, 59, faces 20 charges that include kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault causing bodily harm, and administering a noxious substance.
The trial will resume on Monday.
