Patrick Brazeau trial on assault, sex assault charges to begin

GATINEAU, Que. — Suspended senator Patrick Brazeau goes on trial today on criminal charges that resulted in his expulsion two years ago from the federal Conservative caucus.

Brazeau was charged in Feb. 2013 with assault and sexual assault in a case revolving around an incident at a home in Gatineau.

Just hours after his arrest, Brazeau was removed from the Tory caucus.

Days later, he was forced to take a leave from the Senate and was later suspended.

Few details about the assault allegations have been made public.

But after a court appearance in March 2013, at which Brazeau pleaded not guilty, one of his defence attorneys Michel Swanston, said he would contest the allegations “vigorously”.

There is a publication ban on the name of the complainant in the case.

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

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