Alberta man accused in serial rapes denied bail

An Alberta man accused of drugging and raping women who work in Calgary's sex trade has been denied bail.

Richard Mantha, 59, faces 20 charges involving five different women. Manta's charges include sexual assault with a gun, sexual assault with a knife, kidnapping, forcible confinement and administering noxious substances.

Justice John Bascom heard arguments earlier this month from defence lawyer Kim Arial and prosecutor Rose Greenwood.

The evidence and arguments are protected by a publication ban in order to protect the accused's right to a fair trial.

Manta is back in court next week. A trial date has not yet been set.

• This woman says she escaped brutal attack from suspect facing multiple sexual assault charges

Mantha was originally charged with drugging and sexual assaulting a woman last summer but missed a court appearance in March.

By April, Calgary police were investigating Mantha for furtheroffences involving women who work or frequented the Forest Lawn stroll.

CPS and RCMP spent five days searching his rural property east of Chestermere.

The search ended with Mantha's arrest and a host of new charges involving new victims.

After police announced the charges, more women came forward and new charges were laid.

CPS says it has made available supports and resources for the women who have come forward to police.