Halifax taxi driver pleads not guilty to assault charge
A Halifax taxi driver has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a female passenger on a ride into the city from the airport.
Franco Felice Mahemud, 48, allegedly committed the offense on January 7. He was arrested on February 24 by members of the Halifax Regional Police-RCMP Sexual Assault Investigation Team and released on a warrant.
Police announced the charges in March and the case first appeared in Halifax Provincial Court in April.
Attorney Jennifer MacDonald appeared in court by telephone on Thursday and entered the innocent plea on behalf of Mahemud.
Judge Christine Driscoll has scheduled the trial for May 23, 2024. The defense will advise the court if an interpreter is needed for the hearing.
Mahemud’s commitment to the police prohibits contact with the complainant, whose identity is protected by a publication ban.
