New Hampshire

Judge Denies Owen Labrie's Request for New Trial

A judge has denied a request for a new trial for a New Hampshire prep school graduate convicted of sexually assaulting an underage student.

In a case that made national headlines, Owen Labrie, of Tunbridge, Vermont, was convicted in 2015 of misdemeanor sexual assault and child endangerment, but acquitted of rape, for his encounter with a 15-year-old classmate in a game of sexual conquest at St. Paul's School in Concord.

He also was convicted of a computer charge that requires him to register as a sex offender for life.

Labrie sought a new trial this year, arguing that his lawyers failed to challenge the computer charge or adequately question key witnesses.

But Merrimack County Superior Court Judge Larry Smukler denied that request Wednesday, saying Labrie's trial team was comprised of "highly experienced and prepared defense attorneys who, overall, made reasonable strategic and tactical decisions throughout the trial."

Labrie has a separate appeal before the state Supreme Court.

"We respectfully disagree with the Judge's order and plan to vigorously pursue our appellate options," Robin Melone, Labrie's lawyer, said Wednesday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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