A Oliver man accused of beating the mother of his child was in a Penticton court room today via video conference.

Brian Douglas Louie, a 33-year-old Oliver resident, is charged with five criminal code counts steaming from a domestic violence incident in May at a residence on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve.

Family and friends of both the defendent and the victim were in court as well today to hear Louie select – trial by jury or by judge. That did not happen as lawyers for the crown and defense said they needed more time to review evidence before the election.

A week ago Judge Gale Sinclair indicated at a bail hearing that a speedy trial was in order but it hears the system is not in a hurry.

The mother of Louie’s seven-month-old baby girl, told police that she was beaten, kicked, bitten, punched and dragged by the hair during the incident which followed a night of partying. Her injuries required reconstructive surgery at Penticton Regional Hospital.

The victim was taken by police to the South Okanagan General Hospital, where she was told by a doctor that an artery had been severed  and she would require further medical treatment in Penticton.

Louie will appear again July 25th.