Yellowknife (Sep 24/03) - A Lutsel K'e man is set to stand trial for allegedly raping a teenage girl over 23 years ago.

Crown attorneys say the man, who still lives in Lutsel K'e, is alleged to have committed the offence in May, 1980 when the victim was 14. He was not charged until earlier this year.

The trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 3 in Lutsel K'e, but during a court session Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Ted Richard expressed concern about empanelling a jury in the tiny hamlet.

"Last time we were there, we barely got a jury," said Richard.

"I don't want to waste the court's resources or time."

Crown attorney Caroline Carrasco agreed it could be difficult to find a non-partisan jury in Lutsel K'e.

"(The accused) is well known in the community, so it might be better to have the trial in another settlement."

A publication ban prohibits naming the victim or the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape.

During a preliminary hearing in March, a territorial judge Michel Bourassa ruled there was enough evidence for the man to stand trial.