3rd man in N.S. teen confinement case headed to trial

BRIDGEWATER, N.S. – John Leonard MacKean tried to hide from cameras as he made his way into Bridgewater court this morning.

The 64-year-old man is facing two charges, including sexual assault, all stemming from an incident at an infamous Upper Chelsea cottage.

MacKean is the third man wrapped up in the teen confinement case, which came to light last September when a 16-year-old boy escaped naked and chained after being confined for days.

It’s alleged MacKean sexually assaulted the boy while he was being held against his will.

A preliminary hearing held Thursday determined there was enough evidence to proceed to trial.

“We just went through the evidence through the preliminary inquiry to basically explore the evidence … so it will help us down the road with what will happen at the actual trial,” said Mike Taylor, the defence attorney for MacKean.

Just one witness testified at the preliminary inquiry — and a single DVD was entered into evidence.

Global News can’t report on what was said in court due to a publication ban.

“He elected to be tried by a jury, so the next step is for him to appear in Supreme Court in Bridgewater on August 22,” said Lloyd Tancook, the Crown Attorney for the case. “At that time he’ll confirm his election and if that remains we’ll set trial dates.”

David James LeBlanc pleaded guilty in May to kidnapping, confining and sexually assaulting the teen. He was sentenced to 11 years in jail minus time served. It was a sentence that many, including Nova Scotia Justice Minister Ross Landry, believe was too lenient.

MacKean has been free on $1,000 bail since last November. He will likely not stand trial until the fall or the spring of 2014.

A trial that the crown attorney expects will be quick — with fewer than six witnesses called.