Brazeau’s lawyers want more time
OTTAWA— Lawyers for Sen. Patrick Brazeau said they plan to mount a strong defence in court but have no plans to plead his case before the media.
“A not-guilty plea has been registered and we have all intentions to contest vigorously these allegations,” Michel Swanston, one of his defence attorneys, told reporters at the Gatineau courthouse Friday.
“As for Sen. Brazeau, he is weathering the storm with his family and would appreciate that we respect his privacy.”
Brazeau is facing charges of assault and sexual assault after he was arrested at his Gatineau, Que., home on Feb. 7.
Brazeau gave a statement via Twitter on Friday. “I will fight these charges against me to prove my innocence. I shall return!”
Court documents allege police arrived at the home after an argument over aboriginal issues turned violent, with the alleged victim, who cannot be identified publicly, telling police Brazeau pushed her down the stairs hard enough that the railing she was holding onto broke off.
Brazeau has pleaded not guilty to both charges and none of the allegations have been proven in court.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper expelled Brazeau from the Conservative caucus that morning after learning of his arrest.
The following week, the Senate forced Brazeau on a leave of absence while he faces the charges. It has taken over his expense accounts, but he will still receive his annual salary of $132,300.
Swanston and lawyer Gérard Larocque appeared in court on behalf of Brazeau Friday and asked for a postponement because they believed they were missing some information in the evidence file.
Sylvain Petitclerc, the prosecutor, told reporters the defence team had full disclosure since Feb. 12.
The proceedings have been adjourned until June 10.