Topeka ? A judge Thursday delayed the trial of a well-known Kansas political figure who stands accused of sexually assaulting a 47-year-old woman in May 2002.

Shawnee County District Court Judge Eric Rosen delayed the Feb. 18 start of the trial until April 9 to allow further mental and physical examination of Al LeDoux, 55, the former director of the Kansas Water Office.

LeDoux’s attorney Pedro Irigonegaray sought the delay so LeDoux could receive a neurological examination and possibly other tests. Irigonegaray’s request was backed up by two doctors, including Roy Menninger, of the family that founded and operated the Menninger Clinic.

Irigonegaray said the examination may turn up something that could help in LeDoux’s defense. “To provide Mr. LeDoux with our best efforts … this is something that has to be done,” Irigonegaray said.

Prosecutors vehemently opposed the delay, saying LeDoux had already received extensive examinations, which had failed to turn up any serious mental health problems.

They also argued the deadline had passed for Irigonegaray to notify the court that he planned to use a mental health defense, and the victim and some 50 witnesses already had arranged their schedules to start the trial Feb. 18.

“This is simply another attempt by the defendant to avoid the consequences of his conduct,” Shawnee County Dist. Atty. Robert Hecht said.

Hecht also complained LeDoux’s defense attorneys had been told months ago further examinations should have been made, but only this week decided to do them.

Irigonegaray denied he was trying to delay the trial. He said he only found out Jan. 23 of a possible approach to a “diminished capacity” defense. He didn’t elaborate.

Dr. George Hough, a clinical psychologist in Topeka who has been treating LeDoux, testified that further tests were needed.

“If not done, something could be missed,” he said.

Rosen said he was frustrated by the request for more time so close to the original trial date. But he said if he didn’t grant Irigonegaray’s motion, any guilty verdict would be ripe for a reversal on appeal.

Under the new schedule, jury selection will start April 9 and the two sides will start presenting evidence April 14.

LeDoux sat silent during the hearing.

He has pleaded innocent in connection with the May 23 break-in and assault of a relative of his in Topeka.