Scarborough Centre City Councillor Michael Thompson, 62, appeared virtually in a Bracebridge courtroom yesterday to face charges of sexual assault.
During his latest court appearance, Thompson requested the removal of his council from the record. No reason for the removal request was provided to the court.
Jennifer Brevorka of Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP also appeared virtually to confirm that Thompson had requested her legal firm be removed from the record.
Crown attorney Mareike Newhouse said the move will cause some delay in the proceedings.
“It’s unfortunate because this has been moving along very nicely but it’s outside of the Crown’s control,” said Newhouse.
Thompson said he expects to have a new council within the next week or two, and the matter was put over until May 17, 2023.
On Sept. 22, 2022, the Muskoka Crime Unit of the OPP charged Thompson with two counts of sexual assault. Earlier that month, a report was filed alleging sexual assaults had taken place at a private residence in the District Municipality of Muskoka earlier in 2022.
Thompson subsequently agreed to step down as chair of the city’s economic development committee and as deputy mayor.
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