Accused in confinement case facing new charges

A sheriff's vehicle transports David James Leblanc, facing charges of sexually assaulting and confining a teenage boy, from provincial court in Bridgewater, N.S. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012. (Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The man accused of confining and sexually assaulting a sixteen-year-old boy is facing new charges after appearing in court Tuesday.

David LeBlanc was shielded from cameras by a sheriff’s van and security was tight as he made his first court appearance.

LeBlanc appeared tired and gaunt as he hobbled into the courtroom with bandaged feet. He was charged with forcible confinement and sexual assault after a teen escaped from a cottage in Upper Chelsea, N.S. and showed up at a neighbour’s home in chains.

LeBlanc is now facing additional charges. He’s facing seven charges in total, including confinement, sexual assault, kidnapping, administering a noxious substance and uttering threats to cause death.

Two people, who identify themselves as friends of the victim, were thrown out of the courtroom after yelling at the accused.

“See you in jail buddy,” shouted one young man. “I hope he dies.”

“You did observe a little bit of a disturbance in the courtroom. I suppose that justifies the heightened security,” says Senior Crown Counsel Lloyd Tancock.

LeBlanc’s partner, Wayne Cunningham, was found dead in the same area LeBlanc was arrested in Northern Ontario. The charges against him were withdrawn today.

LeBlanc will be back in court in two weeks.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Kayla Hounsell