Teacher accused of sexual assault receives new court date

A local teacher charged with sexual assault will appear in court again next month.

Luc Despres, 46, appeared at the Thunder Bay Court of Justice on Arthur Street on Tuesday. A provincial court judge adjourned the matter until Aug. 23.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers charged Despres in May after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a 23-year-old-woman. Police say the victim and suspect were known to each other.  

Despres worked as an artist. A few years ago, he used volunteers as models for a series of mermaid sculptures. The process involved the volunteers, usually women in their 20s, going into a three dimensional casting mold.

Sylvianne Mauro, director of education for the Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique des Aurores Boréales, said Despres worked at the school for more than five years and was on administration leave while the allegation is investigated.

“With the information that we have to date, the board is conducting its own internal review of the situation,” Mauro said in a phone interview with tbnewswatch.com.

“Until that review is concluded there won’t be a change to his status. “

She added teachers and students at the school were informed about Despres leave.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.