Complainant Testifies At Trial Of Suspended Senator Patrick Brazeau

GATINEAU, Que. — The complainant in the trial of suspended senator Patrick Brazeau has started testifying on the opening day of the case.

The alleged victim, whose name is protected by a publication ban, is expected to be on the stand for the rest of the day.

Brazeau was charged with assault and sexual assault after an incident at a home in Gatineau in February 2013. He has pleaded not guilty.

Testimony before a judge alone began with Gatineau police officer Patrick Quinn presenting photos taken at the residence.

Some photos appeared to show broken railings from different stairways inside the house. Quinn also presented photos of the complainant, which appeared to show bruises and red marks on her arm, wrist, shoulder and knee.

As well as the photos, the judge also saw two pieces of evidence, including a bra with a torn strap and a metal button from a pair of pants.

The testimony was briefly halted when the defence asked that the media and public be excluded from the courtroom during the woman's testimony.

Judge Valmont Beaulieu dismissed that request after a short recess..

Brazeau was kicked out of the Conservative caucus shortly after his 2013 arrest. Days later, he was forced to take a leave from the Senate and was later suspended.

Brazeau was named to the Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2008.