New trial for coach accused of sexually assaulting student

LITCHFIELD -- Connecticut's Appellate Court has ordered a new trial for a coach convicted of sexually assaulting a Litchfield High School student five years ago.

The Waterbury Republican-American reports the court found a Litchfield Superior Court judge had improperly barred Adam Benedict's defense counsel from cross-examining the alleged victim during his 2010 trial.

Benedict, who was a track coach and substitute teacher at the high school, was accused in 2007 of improperly groping a student and convicted after two trails of fourth-degree sexual assault. He was sentenced to 90 days in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender, but has been free on an appeal bond.

State's Attorney David Shepack declined to say whether he will try Benedict again.