New trial date set in Jetton's assault case

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- New Madrid County Circuit Court Judge Fred W. Copeland has put former Missouri House speaker Rod Jetton's trial back on his docket.

Originally scheduled to begin Thursday, Jetton's trial has now been rescheduled for Feb. 3.

Jetton is accused of assaulting Mary Elizabeth Lowe of Sikeston, Mo. at her home last November. Jetton is accused of hitting Lowe on the head, choking her and beating her during rough sexual intercourse.

Photographs entered into evidence at Jetton's preliminary hearing in February showed Lowe had injuries to her face, neck and leg.

Attorneys in the case asked Jetton's trial be rescheduled due to new evidence surfacing during depositions taken earlier this month.