Al Potter assault trial: final witness testifies

The final witness has testified in a high-profile assault case against a man linked to the Vikings Motorcycle Club, with the Crown and defence set to give summations next month.

Al Potter is charged with assault causing bodily harmin relation to an incident last September at a bed sitting house in downtown St. John's.

The final witness the investigating officer for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary testified Thursday afternoon.

Const. Jason Power, who works with the RNC's intelligence and organized crime section, interviewed Potter hours after the alleged assault.

Power testified he saw a small amount of blood on Potter's left arm, but no injuries to his hands or knuckles.

Earlier this week, the alleged victim testified that he was punched in the head by his assailant, and managed to block some of the blows with his arms. He could not identify the man who attacked him.

• Alleged victim can't ID attacker in Al Potter assault trial

In court Thursday, Power testified he canvassed the neighbourhood several times in the days after the alleged attack.

But the RNC officer said people living there refused to give a statement to police.

Defence lawyer John Kelly pressed Power about why another man in the room at the time of the incident was not charged.

Power replied that he looked at the "totality" of evidence in making the decision, and noted there was contradictory information about the other man's role.

Tense moments during trial

Powers testimony wrapped up the Crowns case against Potter.

The defence called no evidence.

The trial has had many tense moments.

Before proceedings began, the Crown filed an application seeking to exclude the public from the courtroom, saying three witnesses expressed concerns about testifying because of Potter's links to "biker gangs."

Judge Mark Linehan rejected that request, but put limitations on gang colours and tattoos being displayed.

There were just three Vikings associates in court Thursday half the number in attendance for earlier testimony.

The matter will be back in court March 13, for summations by the Crown and defence.