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Mark McDiarmid makes closing argument at attempted murder trial

Mark McDiarmid found not guilty of attempted murder

The prosecution is set to make its closing argument Monday in the attempted murder trial underway in Dawson City, Yukon.

Mark McDiarmid is facing seven charges, including attempted murder, stemming from an altercation with police in October, 2011. He was shot by police several times during the incident.

McDiarmid is representing himself at the trial that began five weeks ago.

In his two hour closing argument Friday afternoon, he told the jury he wanted to expose corruption in the justice system during the trial.

McDiarmid admitted he held a grudge against the Dawson City RCMP and said he wasn't thinking clearly during a confrontation with police officers on the Dempster Highway.

He added it was "dumb" to throw a jar containing gasoline at an oncoming RCMP truck, but that he'd been railroaded by local police.

"If you get trapped you're going to lash out," he said.

He said he never intended to kill the two RCMP officers who shot him and that he smashed another RCMP officer's truck with a sledgehammer because the officer wouldn't leave him alone.

McDiarmid said police lied on the stand and tampered with video evidence of the incident taken from inside a police truck.

He said that's why the jury should find him not guilty on the most serious charges.

"The RCMP should not be rewarded with convictions for doing something illegal," he said.

After the prosecution gives its closing remarks on Monday, Justice Elizabeth Hughes will give her final instructions to the jury.