Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 16/05) - The trial of a Yellowknife man accused of stabbing a youth in the neck is scheduled to begin this morning.

Jamie Martens faces a single count of aggravated assault in connection with a Sept. 30, 2004 altercation that left a then-18-year-old male in hospital fighting for his life.

Crown and defence lawyers spent Monday selecting jurors for the trial, which is scheduled to last 10 days. A line of potential jurors 100-long stretched from Supreme Court into the courthouse lobby.

Lawyers argued Tuesday over pre-trial issues. Details of those discussions are covered by a publication ban.

Martens, clad in a blue shirt and tie, sat quietly throughout the session.

The trial is expected to start this morning. Aggravated assault carries a maximum sentence of 14 years behind bars.