Bouncer assault case wraps

Photo: File photo

A bouncer at the Liquid Zoo is facing an aggravated assault charge in Supreme Court this week.

Evidence submissions have wrapped up in the jury trial of a bouncer accused of assaulting a patron outside the Liquid Zoo nightclub in 2015.

Jonathan Bruce is facing an aggravated assault charge for punching Rhett Miller Nov. 22, 2015, knocking him to the pavement and leaving him with major head trauma that took months to recover from.

On Wednesday, a friend of both the accused and victim prior to the incident testified the two didn't appear to be arguing before heading to the back door of the bar together.

After Bruce returned inside by himself, the friend said Bruce told him: “He hassled my staff, he made a move at me, I hit him with an open hand and he fell backwards awkwardly and landed on the ground.”

The friend testified Bruce “wasn't being overly friendly” as he and others tended to Miller as he lay on the ground.

On Tuesday, Miller testified he had known Bruce for some time, and had always had a friendly relationship with him.

Due to Miller's head injury, he has no memory of being at the bar that night.

After the Crown wrapped up its evidence, Bruce chose not to present any evidence in his defence. 

Closing statements to the jury are expected Thursday morning.