Christopher Garnier’s murder trial resumed Friday, with defence lawyer Joel Pink calling his final witness: a man who dated and had a prior sexual relationship with Catherine Campbell.
Garnier, 30, is accused of killing Campbell in September 2015 and has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and improperly interfering with a dead body.
Before the final witness took the stand, Justice Joshua Arnold instructed the jury that they can use the evidence to determine whether Campbell had an interest in rough sex, as the defence has alleged.
The witness, whose name is protected under a publication ban, told the court he knew Campbell well and that the pair had sex on two occasions.
When questioned by Pink about whether or not the witness had ever placed his hand on Campbell’s neck, the man said he did.
Pink tried pointing out inconsistencies with what the man said in court on Friday and what he told police in a statement two years ago.
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According to Pink, the man said in the statement that Campbell was a lot more aggressive the second time the pair had sex, mentioning bruising and wrestling.
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The man explained he contacted police after learning Campbell was missing in September 2015 to help them with their timeline. He testified he last saw Campbell two weeks before she was reported missing and had been texting with Campbell on the night of Sept. 10, 2015 when he says she invited him over to her apartment. The man said he was already in bed and did not go over.
Under cross-examination, the witness said although he placed his hand on Campbell’s neck, he never applied pressure. He also said she never asked for pressure to be applied to her neck or to be choked or punched.
READ: Christopher Garnier murder trial: Videos show night Catherine Campbell allegedly murdered
The man also said any aggressive behaviour, like wrestling, happened following sexual intercourse, when the pair were partially dressed.
Following the man’s testimony, Pink announced the defence would not be calling any additional evidence and would be closing their case.
The defence has said Campbell’s death was an unfortunate accident that occurred during rough sex that she initiated.
Garnier testified earlier this week that Campbell asked him to choke and slap her on the night she died.
Once the man finished testifying, the defence rested their case. The Crown also informed the court that they would not be calling any reply evidence, which means all of the testimony has concluded.
The jury will hear closing arguments from both the Crown and the defence on Monday.
READ MORE: Christopher Garnier testifies at murder trial, tells court Catherine Campbell wanted to be choked
With a file from The Canadian Press