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Deliberations underway in aggravated assault trial (6:38 update - verdict returned)

Lawyers made submissions on Monday

6:38 p.m. update:

Courtney Lewis, 26 and his cousin Aaron Lewis, 23, have been found guilty of aggravated assault. More on this will be added later.

3:34 p.m. update:

The judge's nearly four-hour, more than 100-page legal instructions have formally wrapped up.

In closing, Justice Susan Healey told jurors two verdicts are available to them: not guilty of aggravated assault or guilty of aggravated assault.

She urged the panel to look at all the evidence and said as jurors they are judges.

"The evidence in this case is disturbing.  As judges you should be neutral."

Deliberations are underway as of 3:10 p.m. 

12:07 p.m. original story:

A judge is giving final instructions to a Barrie jury in the trial of two cousins charged in connection with a vicious beating.

Justice Susan Healey is providing the four men, eight women panel a review of the evidence, elements of the offence and instructions on the law.

Courtney Lewis, 26 and his cousin Aaron Lewis, 23, have pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault.

Ryan Turcotte, 31, of Barrie suffered a severe brain injury arising from an assault at a Duckworth Street plaza on June 26, 2012.

Turcotte had just stepped off a bus that had returned from Kee to Bala when the crown says he was surrounded and viciously attacked.

"You must decide the case of each accused separately and individually," Justice Healey told jurors

The incident was captured on cell phone video and was played several times during the two week trial.

Once the judge finishes her charge, the jury will begin it's deliberations.


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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