The jury in the Leo Crockwell case was told this morning that the number of charges they will have to consider in the case has been reduced to six from eight.
Justice Richard LeBlanc said the indictment has been amended and that there were direct verdicts on two charges — Crockwell has been acquitted on the count of possessing a firearm without a licence and the count of assault.
"You will not be considering those two charges," he told jury members.
There are now there are six charges. They include using a firearm while committing an assault and uttering threats towards his sister, along with mischief by interfering with property; carelessly using a firearm, and intentionally discharging a firearm.
The jury also was told Crockwell will not be calling evidence.
Natural Resources Minister Jerome Kennedy, who as a defence lawyer once represented Crockwell, had shown up at Newfoundland Supreme Court after being subpoenaed by Crockwell to testify on his behalf. However, Crockwell — who is representing himself — this morning decided not to call any defence evidence.
The Crown is expected to present its closing argument this afternoon, followed by Crockwell Tuesday morning.
LeBlanc will then give instructions to the jury before jury members retired to consider the verdicts on the charges.
Crockwell, 57, has been behind bars since his arrest Dec. 11, 2010, after a week-long standoff with police in Bay Bulls.
More coverage in Tuesday's print edition.
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