A repeat sex offender most recently accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Cowan Heights last year has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

30-year-old Stephen Hopkins was articulate and polite as he responded with the words “not guilty” to each charge read out by the clerk in Supreme Court this morning.

Hopkins appeared by videoconference from Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, making it clear again that he plans to represent himself in his trial before a judge and jury.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Raymond Whalen once again implored Hopkins to reconsider that route, noting the trial will be a very complex one with serious implications.

To that end, the court has already appointed a Crown lawyer to assist with some common aspects of Hopkins defence, though not acting as his defence lawyer.

Hopkins is accused of following a 17-year-old girl to her Cowan Heights home, forcing his way in, and sexually assaulting her last September. He was already a registered sex offender, having been released from jail a couple of months earlier after doing time for attacking female joggers near Confederation Building.

Hopkins faces charges of sexual assault, forcible confinement, and threatening the alleged victim. His trial date has been set for January of 2022.