SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A Yellowknife man who is HIV positive and suspected of having tuberculosis appeared by video from the North Slave Correctional Centre wearing a hospital mask on March 1 to hear Judge Robert Gorin deny his request to be released from custody.

Bobby Jonathan Kaotalok, 25, was arrested on Feb. 24 after being accused of sexually assaulting three different woman.

A publication ban is in place protecting the identity of the three complainants.

Kaotalok first appeared in court on Feb. 25 to be arraigned on the charges. The proceeding was delayed several times as the case was moved from one courtroom to another. No explanation for the movement was provided to the court; however, Crown prosecutor Janice Walsh told Judge Garth Malakoe that Kaotalok has "health issues," namely, that he is believed to have contracted tuberculosis and was refusing to wear a hospital mask.

About an hour after the arraignment, the RCMP issued a press release advising that Kaotalok is HIV positive and anyone who has had contact with Kaotalok's "blood or bodily fluids" to contact their nearest medical facility and call the RCMP.

On March 1, Gorin adjourned the matter to March 8 at 1:30 p.m. where the defence will elect either a trial by judge alone or by judge and jury.

Aggravated sexual assault is an indictable offence, which involves more severe punishment upon conviction.

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