Rape accused Leo Henry Edwards re-appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls, in Port-of-Spain Eighth Court, and served notice of his intention to retain Pamela Elder, SC, to defend him.

The 45-year-old former Canadian resident, of Brooklyn Settlement in Sangre Grande, is wanted in Canada on seven sexual offences against a female relative.

He has since been arrested on an extradition warrant by PC Narace of the local Interpol Division.

When asked if he had retained an attorney, Edwards informed the magistrate he intended to hire Elder.

The accused said the attorney was expected to visit him soon.

He also asked for any disclosure in the matter, but head of the Central Authority in the Attorney General’s office David West said some disclosure had already been given to Edwards’ first attorney, Larry Williams.

The magistrate told Edwards to contact Williams to retrieve the documents.

Meanwhile, West called for an adjournment in the matter, after informing the magistrate he was still awaiting the authority to proceed from the requesting state.

The matter was put off to March 26.

Edwards, a security systems proprietor, is wanted on seven sexual offences charges, including rape, sexual intercourse with a female under the age of 14, buggery, indecent assault, and serious indecency.