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New trial for Stephans to take place June 2019

Jul 10, 2018 | 5:53 AM

LETHBRIDGE- A new trial date has been set for an Alberta couple who had their convictions overturned by Canada’s highest court.

David and Collet Stephan appeared in Lethbridge Provincial Court on Monday, where a four week trial will begin on June 3, 2019.

The trial will be judge only.

The couple were convicted in 2016 for failure to provide the necessaries of life for their son Ezekiel.

The toddler died of bacterial meningitis in 2012.

The 2016 trial, which took place in Lethbridge, heard the couple used natural remedies to treat the illness instead of taking him to a doctor.

The Stephans filed an appeal, which was upheld in Alberta, but due to the decision not being unanimous, was allowed to be heard in the Supreme Court.

Lawyers for the Stephans argued to the Appeal Court that the judge in the trial allowed the jury to be overwhelmed by medical evidence, which they claimed unfairly distracted from the question on whether the couple acted differently than any other parent.

In May, the Supreme Court quashed the convictions and ordered a new trial.

(The Canadian Press)