The rear entrance of the Quinte Courthouse, on July.14/16. (Photo: David Foot / QuinteNews)
The trial has begun for a Marmora woman, facing seven charges, in connection to a home invasion, robbery and kidnapping in early 2015.
Jessica Youmans has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including robbery, assault, kidnapping, forcible confinement, uttering threats, possessing a dangerous weapon and breaking and entering.
A charge of mischief under $5,000 was withdrawn.
In her opening statement on Monday, Crown Attorney Lynn Ross alleged that Youmans and co-accused Tyson Gordon, who has already pleaded guilty, kidnapped an acquaintance, held him in her home and beat him severely, after believing he had stolen a quantity of drugs from her.
Ross also told court Youmans forced the victim to withdraw money from the bank to pay for those drugs and caused significant damage to the victim’s home, stabbing holes in the walls and fridge.
A jury of seven women and five men was selected to decide on the trial and Ross began her case by calling the responding OPP officer to the stand as a witness.
Ross also says she plans to call three more witnesses, plus provide numerous photos, bank statements and ATM security video, as further proof in her case.
The proceedings continue in Belleville Superior Court Tuesday, with the trial slated for two weeks, although both sides have agreed it shouldn’t take that long.
