Final arguments are now being heard in the trial of 61-year-old Richard Mantha, with the Crown and defence clashing over what they say unfolded during the alleged sexual assaults of seven women east of Calgary. Mantha -- who pleaded not guilty to 20 charges -- appeared by CCTV as the Crown argued that the women’s accounts are consistent, pointing to their similar descriptions of clutter inside Mantha’s property and the vehicles they say he drove. Most of the alleged victims worked in the sex trade, but the Crown referenced testimony from several complainants who said they woke up impaired and partially undressed, submitting the evidence points to a lack of consent. The defence argued any sexual contact was consensual and said Mantha took reasonable steps to confirm that. They also questioned some complainants’ drug use history, a point the Crown said does not undermine their accounts. The nearly two-year-old trial has been delayed several times by lawyer changes, a language switch and a stroke Mantha suffered last year. A psychiatric assessment found him fit to continue.
