Two people facing sex charges involving a minor in Cape Breton will go to trial in the new year.

Daryl Lawrence Digout and Shelley Dawn Digout pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to appear in court and being at large, along with sexual assault, sexual interference, and sexual exploitation.

The sex related charges date back to an alleged incident in 2020.

The couple went missing after they were charged in May, but were located weeks later after a member of the public reported a sighting in Richmond County.

Both are free on strict conditions including not leaving Nova Scotia and no contact with the alleged victim.

The trial will take place over two days on April 25-26 in Port Hawkesbury.