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Man facing sex-assault charge causes mistrial when he fails to show up in court

When he failed to show up to court for a second time on Wednesday, the judge dismissed the jury and declared a mistrial. RCMP are now searching for the man.

RCMP searching for Alden Joseph Lennie, according to Crown

CBC News ·
Building.
There is a warrant out for the arrest of Alden Joseph Lennie, who failed to show up to his own trial this week. (Chantal Dubuc/CBC)

RCMP are looking for a man who failed to show up to his own trial Tuesday morning, causing a mistrial.

Alden Joseph Lennie was to be in N.W.T. Supreme Court this week, facing a sex-assault charge.

According to Crown prosecutor Blair MacPherson, Lennie showed up 40 minutes late for jury selection on Monday morning, but he was in court Monday afternoon when the Crown gave opening statements.

When Lennie didn't show up on Tuesday, a warrant was issued for his arrest and RCMP began searching for him.

"We were hopeful he would be found," said MacPherson.

RCMP continued to search for Lennie into the night on Tuesday, to no avail. He wasn't in court again on Wednesday, which spurred the judge to dismiss the jury and declare a mistrial.

RCMP haven't responded to a request for information about the search.

With files from Hilary Bird

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