Court case for former Christian school coach adjourned

A 46-year-old Edmonton man charged with two sex-related crimes in connection with his former role at a Christian school will be back in court later this month.

Aaron Benneweis’ lawyer, Scott Spencer, spoke on his client’s behalf by telephone in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Monday. Benneweis himself was not present in person or remotely during the brief appearance, and his next court date was set for March 23.

Benneweis, a former coach and athletic director at the Saskatoon Christian school, is facing charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor while in a position of trust or authority.

The charges relate to alleged incidents between 2008 and 2012.

The alleged victim in the case was in the courtroom Monday, along with a number of supporters.

She is asking for a publication ban on her identity to be lifted. In court, she was told she would have to speak with a Crown prosecutor to arrange for that matter to be addressed at a later date.