The book has closed abruptly on a severe beating that left a Squamish man close to death last summer.
Cory Jacob Lewis, 21, was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault following the beating on Sept. 20, 2003 of a long-time Squamish resident who lived at Hudson House.
As the justice process moved along, the attempted murder charge was stayed.
A preliminary hearing into the allegations against Lewis began May 3 at the Provincial Court in North Vancouver. According to defense attorney Brian Hughes, the preliminary hearing wrapped up after two and a half days.
"Crown closed their case," Hughes told The Chief. "Probably due to the fact of the weakness of the evidence."
Hughes said four or five witnesses were to testify at the preliminary hearing. Not all the witnesses appeared to recount what they saw.
The most important witness, the victim, was brought to court after a warrant was issued. According to the RCMP, Terry Cyr had to be taken into custody and transported to North Vancouver and put onto the witness stand.
"He had to be arrested and brought down on a material witness warrant," said Hughes.
Cyr, 48, didn't have much to offer the court as Hughes said the victim had no memory of the night in question.
After the incident last summer, Cpl. Dave Ritchie of the Squamish RCMP said medical professionals told the police that Cyr's chances of survival were slim.
"He was transferred to Vancouver and his condition improved," Ritchie said at the time.
The beating took place in the alley behind Hudson House and it was the second violent fight in the area that month.
Ritchie said at the time that the incident was not gang-related.
On May 13 Judge William Rodgers presided as the charge was withdrawn.
Lewis comes away from the matter with no record, said Hughes.
The local lawyer also pointed out that his client has never been convicted before and Lewis is very pleased with the outcome.
