Patrick Brazeau hit by alleged victim, defence lawyer suggests

The defence in suspended senator Patrick Brazeaus assault and sexual assault case continued to challenge the credibility of the Crowns main witness today in a courtroom in Gatineau, Que., suggesting she had struck Brazeau.

Brazeaus lawyer, Gerard Larocque, spent much of his time questioning the alleged victimaboutthe beginning of the incident, which happened in a house on Feb. 7, 2013.

The defence focused on what and who started the violence in the third-storey master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Larocque suggested the complainant hit Brazeau with a bra and shirt.

She said that was false.

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He also asked her about a telephone call that Brazeau made while he was in the bedroom and she was in the bathroom. The complainant said she couldnt remember.

Laroque then produced a transcript and video of a police interview with herfrom the day of the incident that clearly showed she knew Brazeau made a phone call from the bedroom.

Upon further questioning, the complainant recognized what she said in the video, but saidshe didnt today remember Brazeau making the call.

A publication ban prevents the identification of the alleged victim, who testified Monday that Brazeau struck her, grabbed her by the throat, pushed her down a flight of stairs and smashed her head against a wall. She also alleges Brazeau pulled down her pants and touched her inappropriately.

On Tuesday, Brazeau's attorneyconcentrated his questions on her credibility as a witness. He asked about fake passports she used to emigrate to Canada as a refugee in 2008. He also brought up a necklace that she tore off her neck during the incident in question.

More witnesses to testify

The alleged assault took placewhile Brazeau was being investigated for irregularities in his Senate expenses.

The complainant testified Monday that Brazeau had spent the previous evening,Feb.6,drinking martinis and watching the news on television.

That night, CTV News aired a story revealing Brazeau had used his father-in-law's address on a First Nationto claim an aboriginal income tax exemption.

The woman told the court Brazeau received a text message that night from an individual linked to both of them that angered Brazeau and made him become aggressive.

Wednesday is the last scheduled day of testimony but there are still five more witnesses.

The court has set a return date of April 2 to continue the trial.