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Langford man charged with assaulting second Victoria sex worker

The Langford man accused of the violent sexual assault and robbery of a Victoria street sex worker faces new charges

The Langford man accused of the violent sexual assault and robbery of a Victoria street sex worker faces new charges in connection with the assault and robbery of a second sex worker.

Edward Charles Burman, who has been in custody at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Saanich since his Jan. 12 arrest, was expected to be released on a $10,000 surety Friday (Jan. 27).

The 31-year-old was arrested at his home in the 2840 Aldwynd Rd. near Goldstream Avenue by Victoria police. He was charged the next day with assault causing bodily harm, sexual assault causing bodily harm and robbery.

A 30-year-old female sex worker reported she had been attacked by a customer after they had consentual sexual relations in the 3000-block of Douglas St. on Feb. 19, 2011.

Following Burman's arrest, Victoria police announced they had matched DNA from that case to forensic evidence from a December 2009 incident in which another Victoria sex worker alleged her money had been stolen.

New charges of aggravated assault and robbery in connection with that case were sworn against Burman on Jan. 17.

The bespectacled heavy-set man, wearing a jail-issue red shirt and red jacket, appeared in Victoria court Friday morning by video.

His family, Victoria defence lawyer Chris Massey and Crown counsel Steve Fudge heard provincial Judge Susan Wishart list several conditions which Burman must abide by after his release.

The accused must not be in the company of a person he knows to be a sex trade worker. He is also barred from contacting two individuals, whose names are protected by a court-imposed publication ban.

Burman is also restricted from entering a "red zone," from Bay Street to Blanshard Street and Yates Street to Wharf and Store streets.

"There will be a separate 'no go' with respect to Rock Bay Avenue," Wishart said. Several more conditions were also levied, including a curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and alcohol restrictions.

The case will return to court on Feb. 23 so that future court dates can be scheduled.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com