Charges against Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birtch revised in court

Criminal charges against Woodstock mayor Trevor Birtch were revised when his case returned to court Monday in London.

Birtch was originally charged in February with assault, sexual assault and one count of sexual assault with choking.

The Crown revealed in court today that the charge of sexual assault with choking has been dropped and has been replaced with a second count of sexual assault. The same woman is named as the alleged victim in all three incidents.

The Crownalso requested a publication ban on any information that could identify the victim or any witness in the case.

Birtch's lawyer said he is still waiting to obtain disclosure from the Crown and asked for a delay until the information is provided.

The matter was adjourned until June 6.

Last week, Birch was charged with three additional counts of sexual assault involving a different alleged victim, according to London police.

The latest charges stem from allegations made between January2017 and April this year. Police said Birtch and the alleged victim know each other.

His next court date in relation to the most recent charges is July 4.

Birtch was granted a paid leave of absence by Woodstock city council in April while his case is before the courts.

Last week, Oxford County council, on which Birtch also serves, agreed to a similar paid leave if he asked for it in writing.

Birtch was removed from his post as vice-chair on the Woodstock Police Services Board the day after the original charges were laid in order to maintain integrity and inspire public confidence.