Torture victim's appearance shocking, Paxton trial hears

One of Dustin Paxton's former employees testified in court Tuesday that the physical appearance of his roommate would sometimes shock customers.

Dean Medernach, 26, worked as a driver and labourer in the summer of 2009 for Two Guys and a Truck, a moving company owned by Paxton and his alleged torture victim.

Paxton is facing a number of charges including aggravated assault, sexual assault and unlawful confinement.

The assault victim was dropped off at a Regina hospital in April 2010 weighing only 87 pounds — down from 210 pounds — had several broken bones and his lips and tongue had been mutilated.

Medernach testified that when he was with the man, customers would ask, "Whoa, what happened to you?"

The man would respond that he belonged to a boxing club, Medernach said.

Medernach said Paxton's roommate always looked beat up, that he was "not in good shape." He said the man appeared weak, had busted lips, black eyes and cauliflower and swollen ears.

Medernach said that his dealings with Paxton were always professional, but he described his former boss as "greasy," adding that he never got a good vibe from Paxton.

Paxton would verbally abuse his roommate and business partner, said Medernach, but he never saw the accused assault the man.

Medernach joins a long list of former employees who have testified against Paxton.The Crown plans to call 50 witnesses during the trial, presided over by Justice Sheilah Martin, which is set to last five weeks.

A publication ban prohibits naming the alleged sexual assault victim and other witnesses that could lead to identifying him. The victim is expected to testify in the coming weeks.