Andrew Lesky takes the stand in his attempted murder trial

Andrew Lesky, who opted to represented himself in his attempted murder jury trial, interacts with bailiffs from the Cache County Sheriff's Office on Thursday morning in Logan.

LOGAN — Andrew Lesky took the witness stand in his attempted aggravated murder case as prosecutors finished presenting their evidence. State attorneys concluded Thursday afternoon, hours after Judge Brian Cannell ruled to allow the defendant to represent himself as his own attorney.

Court records show, defense attorney Chad Hutchings filed a motion Wednesday, asking for Lesky to be his own lead defensive counsel. It stated the defendant was frustrated with how witnesses were not being questioned the way he wanted them to be cross-examined. It also said, he felt he could represent himself better than his current attorney.

Judge Cannell ruled to allow Lesky to be lead counsel but retained Attorney Hutchings as support counsel. A similar request was denied in September.

Lesky took the stand, telling jurors about his relationship with his ex-girlfriend, the alleged victim, who he first met at a party in Preston, Idaho. He explained that their romance was volatile because of the victim’s drug use. He is expected to continue his testimony Friday.

As part of their evidence during the past seven days, prosecutors called the victim and her now husband to the stand. They described how on the night of October 24, 2014, Lesky approached them while they were outside their Logan apartment, near 75 East 600 North. They claimed he brandished a handgun and tried to shoot her, but the gun misfired. They then said he produced a knife and cut the man’s clothing.

Prosecutors also called others to testify including neighbors who witnessed the fight.

Lesky has been charged with 10 felonies and 17 misdemeanors. The trial is only for six of those felonies including one count of attempted aggravated murder and two counts of aggravated kidnapping, all first-degree felonies. He could face up to life in prison if found guilty.

The trial is expected to continue through Monday.

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