Trial starts for Calgary psychiatrist accused of sex assault

The trial for a Calgary psychiatrist accused of sexually assaultinghis patientsgot underway Wednesday afternoon with the Crown briefly outlining its case and explaining that the 10 alleged victims will testify over the next few weeks.

Aubrey Levin, 73, ischarged with sexually assaulting10 male patients.

Det. Perry Patzwald, the lead investigator with the Calgary Police sex crimes unit,said one of the alleged victimswho claimshe was sexually assaulted by Levin told police he had captured two of the encounters on video by wearing a wristwatch with a spy cam.

"During the counselling sessions Dr. Levin had their genitals ...in his hands," said Crown prosecutor Bill Wister whendescribing the nature of the assaults to the court.

Previously, the lawyer for Levin argued his client was too ill to face trial, as he suffers from heart failure, diabetes and kidney problems.

His lawyers request to delay the proceedings was not granted.

Five women and seven men are serving as jurors andthe trial is expected to last six weeks.

Most of the victims had a criminal record and were on medication at the time they met withLevin as part of a court order.