The Lunenburg County man charged in the case of a 16-year-old boy being sexually assaulted and forcibly confined was wheeled into a Bridgewater Court today.

David James Leblanc faces seven charges including sexual assault, forcible confinement and administering a noxious substance following allegations that he and a co-accused held a boy captive.

This was the third time Leblanc has appeared before Judge Gregory Lenehan, but this was the first time he has had a lawyer on retainer.

Defence lawyer Mike Taylor asked the judge for more time to review the case and the bail hearing has been pushed back to Dec. 19.

“I received a little more disclosure from the crown. I’ve got to look at that and digest it, and speaking to Mr. Leblanc before we make any decisions,” Taylor told reporters outside the courtroom.

Sheriffs wheeled the 47-year-old accused into the courtroom using an office chair. Taylor said his client is recovering from surgery and has recently been using a wheelchair.

Leblanc was arrested in the Northern Ontario wilderness in sub-zero temperatures earlier this year. Police at the time said he was not properly dressed and not wearing shoes. He has been recovering from frostbite.

A group of teenagers were in court today to observe the proceedings, some of whom are friends of the victim. They did not want to speak to media.