(Photo/Quinte News)
The preliminary hearing in the case against a prominent Belleville tattoo artist will continue next week at Quinte Regional Courthouse.
The hearing against 47-year-old Kenneth Wayne Melvin was adjourned to May 11.
Assistant Crown Attorney Lynn Ross says it is her understanding there are some charges in which she and defense lawyer Mike Pretsell agree on but there are charges from 12 complainants which are in dispute.
Melvin is facing 44 counts following an investigation that saw him charged in April 2017 with sexual assault, committing an indecent act, assault with a weapon, unlawful confinement, sexual touching, uttering threats and criminal harassment.
There are 16 complainants, down from 18 when the matter first began.
Evidence at a preliminary hearing cannot be published. Such hearings are held to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to a criminal trial or not.
Melvin had operated Skin Graphix Tattooing and Piercing on Dundas Street East for a number of years in the city’s east end. The shop has since closed.
