Michael Nehass to represent himself in assault trial

A rare and unusual trial is underway in Yukon Supreme Court: ajury trial in whichthe defendant has chosen to fight the case without a lawyer.

Michael Nehass, 31, is accused of using a weapon to threaten and assault a Watson Lake woman in December of 2011.

Nehasssays he's innocent of all the charges.

A lawyer has been appointed as anamicuscuriae, or "friend of the court," to sit withNehassduring the trial.

There are nine men and three women on the jury.

The Watson Lake RCMP officer who investigated the Watson Lake complaintwill testify this morning.

The trial is scheduled to last about a week.