Update: Tuesday, June 18:
A Vernon sexual assault retrial has hit another delay.
After counsel for former Vernon hockey coach Keith Chase failed to appear in Kamloops court on June 10, the parties reconvened a week later on Monday, June 17. At that hearing, Chase's lawyer requested a further week adjournment to June 24 at the Kamloops Law Courts. The court granted the request, according to BC Prosecution Service communications counsel Damienne Darby.
The recent court dates are for the purpose of setting a date for the continuation of the retrial, and Darby said it is expected the June 24 hearing will accomplish that.
Original:
Former Vernon hockey coach Keith Chase, who is in the midst of a sexual assault retrial, did not appear at a fix-a-date court hearing on Monday, June 10.
Chase was charged in 2020, found guilty in 2022 and was sentenced to two years in jail in 2023. However, he was successful in appealing the conviction and a retrial is currently underway.
The court hearing, in Kamloops B.C. Supreme Court, was for the purposes of fixing a date for the continuation of the trial.
According to the BC Prosecution Service, Chase's non-appearance was noted, and the matter was adjourned to Monday, June 17.
Neither Chase, nor members of his counsel, appeared June 10.
The case will now continue on Monday, June 17.