Trial of accused Calgary kidnapper, rapist delayed again due to second lawyer firing

There’s been another delay in the case of a man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting several women east of Calgary. 

Alberta Justice says Richard Robert Mantha has changed lawyers for a second time since the trial began in January. 

Mantha has pleaded not guilty to 20 charges, including kidnapping, threats causing bodily harm, sexual assault with a weapon and administering a noxious substance.

Prosecutors want the trial, which is being conducted in French, to resume in November.

A psychiatric report presented to court last month found Mantha fit to stand trial after he suffered a stroke in custody in May, despite his severely reduced verbal skills.