A Behchoko man accused of sexual assault in 2016 will head to trial in June - his third trial for the same years-old allegation.

Chris Dryneck, 47, was set to tried in Behchoko last week, but on Tuesday, April 23, as the trial began, his lawyer Alanhea Vogt submitted a pair of doctors notes advocating for a delay in the proceedings.

The last-minute letters - one written in January, the other dated earlier month - both said Dryneck suffers from an anxiety disorder and that he experiences panic attacks. One doctor said Dryneck should not go to trial until his mental health issues are under control, suggesting it be postponed for at least four months.

Vogt made a request to adjourn TuesdaySA国际影视传媒檚 proceedings, which the Crown opposed on the grounds more information was needed from DryneckSA国际影视传媒檚 doctors, and the matter resumed in Yellowknife the next day.

On Wednesday, Vogt filed an application to be removed as DryneckSA国际影视传媒檚 lawyer, citing a breakdown in the client-attorney relationship. NWT Supreme Court Justice Louise Charbonneau granted VogtSA国际影视传媒檚 request.

Left without a lawyer following the application, Charbonneau directed Dryneck to immediately contact legal aid so that another defence lawyer could be appointed, but said it wouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 be fair to the accused - or counsel - to have an unprepared lawyer come on board to represent Dryneck in such short notice. She also said it would be unfair for Dryneck to represent himself in court.

The 47-year-old, who is blind, was pulled from school in kindergarten. He has no formal education.

SA国际影视传媒淚t wouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 be realistic to continue the trial at this time,SA国际影视传媒� said Charbonneau on Wednesday. Charbonneau then cancelled the trial in Behchoko.

SA国际影视传媒淚 really donSA国际影视传媒檛 feel there are any other options," said Charbonneau. The cancellation meant several witnesses were turned away after travelling to Behchoko, including a DNA expert from Ottawa and a policer officer from Inuvik. 

The complaint and alleged victim had to take time off work to be at last week's now-cancelled trial.

ItSA国际影视传媒檚 not the first time DryneckSA国际影视传媒檚 matter has been delayed.

His first sex assault trial in December 2017 was declared a mistrial after a judge ruled the accusedSA国际影视传媒檚 language rights were violated. Tlicho is DryneckSA国际影视传媒檚 first language, and a Tlicho interpreter was not present during the trial.

Charbonneau urged Dryneck and legal aid to find a lawyer before the matter drags on any longer; a concern she raised multiple times.

SA国际影视传媒淥ne way or another, there will come a time when this trial will have to proceed,SA国际影视传媒� said Charbonneau, adding itSA国际影视传媒檚 "not good for anyone to have this hanging over your head much longer.SA国际影视传媒�

Charbonneau adjourned the matter to Friday, giving Dryneck and legal aid time to arrange for a new defence lawyer.

Jay Bran assumed representation for Dryneck on Friday.

Dryneck was not present in court both days in Yellowknife, but listened in on the the proceedings via telephone, with a Tlicho interpreter on hand. 

Charboneau said she understands that for someone with anxiety, the beginning of a trial can be the most stressful.

She said the court will do what it can to accommodate Dryneck, but stressed the chances of yet another adjournment down the road are  SA国际影视传媒渧ery small.SA国际影视传媒�

A new trial is now set for June 10 to June 14 in Behchoko.