Third youth pleads not guilty in locker room sex assault case

A third member of an Alberta high school football team accused of sexually assaulting a teammate has pleaded not guilty.

The boys, who are 16 and 17, are charged with sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon and forcible confinement.

Because of their ages, they cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

At the last court appearance two weeks ago, the lawyer for the young man indicated talks were underway to resolve the case, but today a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

The Crown had asked a charge against a fourth teen be downgraded from assault with a weapon to assault, and he has been referred to a diversion program.

The case is back in court on March 27th.