Defence calls no evidence in assault trial

Lawyers will make their closing submissions Tuesday in the jury trial of two Sault Ste. Marie men charged in connection with a March 15, 2014 break-in to a local residence.

Assistant Crown attorney David Didiodato closed his case Friday morning after calling a number of witnesses during the trial, which began Jan. 11.

Defence lawyers Eric McCooeye and Michael Bennett indicated they would not be calling any evidence.

Superior Court Justice Michael Varpio told the jury of six women and six men that he will give them his instructions on the law on Wednesday.

Zachary Torcaso is charged with break and enter to commit the indictable offence of mischief, threatening and two counts of assault.

Dereck Maione is charged with break and enter to commit an indictable offence, possession of a dangerous weapon (a knife) and committing assault while carrying a weapon.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the trial, the court heard from Ryan Gridzak, a resident of the MacDonald Avenue home and other people who were there at the time of the incident that occurred in the early morning hours.

Jurors also heard from a forensic expert about blood analysis conducted on a jacket seized from Torcaso and city police officers involved in the investigation.

Gridzak, described how a man he identified as Torcaso forced his way into his parents' home, damaging the door and assaulting him.

He testified that he didn't know Torcaso or Maione, whom he said also came into the home and brandished a large knife during the incident.