Court rejects new sex assault trial for prep school grad

BOSTON — New Hampshire’s Supreme Court on Friday denied a request for a new trial for an elite prep school graduate who argued the failures of his star-studded legal team resulted in his conviction for using a computer to lure an underage student for sex. The computer law says no one shall knowingly use a computer online service “to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child” to commit sexual assault. In its 3-0 ruling Friday, the court dismissed arguments from Labrie’s attorney that his trial lawyers were ineffective for failing to mount a defense against the computer charge, including arguing that his use of the school’s intranet network did not constitute computer services under the law or effectively communicate that Labrie had no intention of having sex with Chessy Prout when he sent her the messages. “Given the wide latitude of discretion available to defense counsel to conduct the defense in the manner of his or her own choosing, the opening statement and closing argument and defense mounted by the defendant’s trial counsel cannot be deemed ineffective assistance of counsel.” Labrie, who began serving his sentence in December and is projected to be released June 24, was making his second bid for a new trial.