The Crown is fast-tracking the trial for a St. John’s man with a history of sex-related attacks.

30-year-old Stephen Hopkins is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl last September after allegedly forcing his way into her Cowan Heights home. He was charged with sexual assault and forcible confinement, with additional charges of assault and threatening the alleged victim added later.

Hopkins, a registered sex offender, had been released from jail only a couple of months earlier after serving time for attacking two female joggers on the Long Pond trail near Confederation Building.

He was released on conditions, including that he report to the sex offender registry and his parole officer, which he failed to do.

Hopkins was charged with those offences in mid-August but was given a court date and allowed to remain free.

Meanwhile, in a rare move, the Attorney General has given the Crown permission to proceed with a direct indictment in the case. That means they can bypass the usual preliminary inquiry and move right to a trial in Supreme Court, with Hopkins’ arraignment date now set for April 1.

The Director of Public Prosecutions would not comment on the decision to expedite the matter, but the Criminal Code notes the special power is reserved for serious situations, such as where “the lives or safety of witnesses may be in peril” or “to ensure public confidence in the administration of justice.”