Lawyer Howe's preliminary hearing underway

A preliminary hearing continues today for Lyle Howe, the Halifax defence lawyer accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman last year.

Howe was back in Halifax provincial court this morning. MLA Trevor Zinck, a client, and cousin Shane Howe were there too.

Lyle Howe is representing Zinck on charges related to the MLA expense account scandal. Shane Howe was the victim of a high-profile hate crime who is now facing a sexual assault charge himself.

Lyle Howe has been participating in his own defence. On Monday, he sat at the lawyer's table, not the prisoner's bench.

Howe is charged with sexual assault and administering a noxious substance. A woman alleges she was attacked on March 21, 2011.

An unrelated charge of uttering threats was withdrawn earlier this year due to a lack of evidence.

The preliminary inquiry, which began Monday, is being held to determine whether there is enough evidence to go to trial. Details cannot be published under a court-ordered ban.

The Crown expects to call about five witnesses.

Howe was called to the bar in 2010. He was shown on a poster for the law program at Dalhousie University and featured in the school's "Discover the Unexpected" campaign.