January 28, 2019 - 1:48 PM
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The Latest on Rand Paul's lawsuit against his neighbour who attacked him (all times local):
3:45 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul says he feared for his life after being hit by a blindside tackle from a neighbour, who broke several of his ribs while he was doing yard work at his Kentucky home.
The Republican senator was the first witness Monday at the trial for the civil lawsuit he brought against his attacker, Rene Boucher.
Paul said Boucher hit him with such force that both flew through the air 5 or 10 feet (1.5 to 3 metres).
The senator says he had so much trouble breathing after the 2017 attack that he feared "this may be the last breath I ever take."
Paul is suing Boucher for medical bills and pain and suffering. He also is seeking punitive damages.
Boucher pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of Congress and was sentenced to 30 days in prison.
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12:45 p.m.
A jury has been seated in Kentucky in a civil lawsuit that Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul brought against the neighbour who broke his ribs with a hard tackle while Paul was doing yard work.
Twelve jurors and two alternates were chosen Monday for the trial in Bowling Green. Lawyers will make opening statements and start taking testimony Monday afternoon, and Paul's lawyer, Tom Kerrick, says Paul may testify Monday afternoon.
Special Judge Tyler Gill told prospective jurors the case isn't about anyone's political beliefs.
The 2017 attack left the senator with multiple broken ribs. Paul is seeking up to $500,000 in compensatory damages and up to $1 million in punitive damages.
Paul's neighbour, Rene Boucher, pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of Congress and was sentenced to 30 days behind bars.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019