Buesnel Calls Killing an Act of Self-Defense

Buesnel Calls Killing an Act of Self-Defense

Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 14:54

 

 

A Prince Albert man charged with the beating death of a northerner last year began his defense yesterday.

 

49-year-old John Buesnel told a jury at Court of Queen’s Bench that he hit 44-year-old Vincent Ballantyne over the head with a bat only because he feared for his life.

 

Police responded to a 9-1-1 call on August 22nd, 2003 and found Ballantyne unconscious in a West Flat residence.

 

The former Pelican Narrows resident was given medical treatment but ultimately died due to massive head injuries.

 

Buesnel did not secure the services of a lawyer and is defending himself in his trial.

 

In his opening statements, Buesnel told the court he was sorry the incident occurred but maintained it was not an act of murder.

 

His defense is based around the assertion that Ballantyne pulled a knife on him and he was forced to respond.

 

Buesnel called two witnesses to the stand yesterday.

 

The trial is expected to last the remainder of the week.