Two Lethbridge teen football players plead not guilty

Two of the four Chinook High School football players who were charged with sexual assault of another player have pleaded not guilty here in Lethbridge. The boys, all aged 16 and 17 are charged with sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon and forcible confinement. They cannot be named because of their ages. This week the Crown asked that a charge against one of the teenagers be downgraded from assault with a weapon to assault. The change would make it a summary offence which is considered less serious. Lawyers for all four accused will be back in court on Feb. 28th. The case dates back to October 3rd when, according to police, a 16 year old boy was assaulted in a locker room after regular school hours. After charges were laid the football program at the high school was cancelled for the rest of the season by the Lethbridge School Division.