A former Saskatchewan hockey coach charged with a sexual assault that allegedly occurred three decades ago was given bail.
Bernard Charles Lynch, 66, of Alberta made his first court appearance on May 5 and a release order was granted.
Lynch turned himself into Devon, Alta., RCMP, said Regina Police Service in a media release May 5.
Regina Police launched the historic sexual assault investigation in April after they received a report alleging Lynch assaulted a male youth in Regina in 1988. At that time Lynch held a position of authority as a hockey coach. Regina Police say it was through this position that Lynch was introduced to the victim, who was 17 at the time.
Regina Police said their investigation into these allegations led to evidence sufficient to support charges of both assault and sexual assault against Lynch. The charges against Lynch haven’t been proven in court.
A Canada-wide warrant for Lynch was issued after Regina Police were unable to locate him. Lynch turned himself in to RCMP in Devon, Alta., and was remanded in custody.
RCMP brought Lynch back to Regina to appear in Regina Provincial Court and the matter was adjourned to June 2 to give him time to get a lawyer.
The court issued a ban on publication on any information that would identify the victims.
Lynch was a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Coach with the Humboldt Broncos in the 1980s. He was later a coach with the Western Hockey Leagues Regina Pats.
