The preliminary hearing for Kenneth Allen Docherty on a charge of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Tyson Weber opened in Ontario Court Tuesday morning before Justice Paul Currie with a ban on publication and a Crown estimate that the process could take almost two weeks.

Mr. Docherty, represented by Orangeville lawyer Carrie Bellan, has been in custody since his arrest last May 29 following discovery of Mr. Weber's body in the attached garage of Mr. Docherty's home on Montgomery Blvd.

Crown Attorney Richard Schwarzl is expected to call three or more police witnesses in the hearing which, he told the court, would last all of this week and possibly all of next.

If Mr. Docherty is indicted, his trial would go before a judge and jury in Superior Court. But Ms. Bellan, who demonstrated meticulous attention to detail as she cross-examined a police witness Tuesday, would be expected to seek a reduced charge before that happened.

Mr. Docherty, cleanshaven and with a fresh haircut, appeared before the court wearing a sports shirt and dress trousers along with handcuffs that were removed to allow him to make notes during the hearing.

He glanced briefly at the gallery as he was escorted to the prisoner's box, but appeared to concentrate without expression as evidence was presented.

The hearing continues.