Trial wraps for two anti-shale gas protestors

The trial of two anti-shale gas protesters has wrapped up in Moncton.

Germain Junior Breau of Upper Rexton, N.B., and Aaron Francis of Eskasoni, N.S. are both facing a number of charges related to a clash between police and protesters on October 17, 2013.

Final arguments were heard Thursday morning.

The two have pleaded guilty to some charges, but are being tried on others.

Defence lawyer Alison Menard said the police had the element of surprise on the morning of October 17.

She said they had planned for a long time, and had a large amount of weapons and the protesters didn't know what was about to happen.

She described the protesters as young, inexperienced and disorganized. She said according to their first nations culture they were there to defend and protect.

Menard also had questions about some of the officers’ evidence, because some wrote notes after the fact and some added details after a police debriefing on October 30.

She said some officers couldn't identify the accused and that leaves reasonable doubt.

The Crown said this was a big operation and officers didn't have time to take notes that day.

Prosecutor Remi Allard said the RCMP did not expect the resistance they were going to get that morning.

He disputes the fact that protesters were disorganized.

He said many were members of the Mi'kmaq Warrior Society and had a rank structure.

Judge Leslie Jackson will hand down his decision on June 19.