Local man faces trial on multiple assault, sex assault charges

Jurors are slated to begin hearing evidence this morning as the trial of a local man, facing numerous violence-related charges, including five counts of sexual assault, gets underway at the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse.

Tyson Joseph Noel pleaded not guilty to 16 charges when he was arraigned Monday, prior to the selection of the jury.

The offences, involving one complainant, are alleged to have occurred between June 2014 and October 2015.

In addition to the sexual assault counts, Noel also is charged with assault causing bodily harm, three counts of forcible confinement, six assault-related counts and a single count of threatening to kill the complainant's dog.

Superior Court Justice Edward Gareau told the eight-woman, four-man jury, and two alternates, that the trial is expected to take two weeks.

Assistant Crown attorney Heidi Mitchell is prosecuting the case, while defence lawyer Eric McCooeye is representing Noel

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