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BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) The trial of a 28-year-old Bozeman man accused of severely beating a man behind a Bozeman bar has begun in Gallatin County District Court.

Miles Kingman is charged with attempted homicide in connection with the Sept. 17, 2008 beating of 30-year-old Paul Overby. His trial began Thursday; it's expected to last 10 days.

Prosecutors say Kingman repeatedly punched Overby in the face and then bragged about it afterward. Kingman's roommate, Ryan Dibert, is also charged with attempted homicide, with prosecutors saying he kicked Overby after the trio got in a fight over a moped ride.

Kingman's attorney, Eric Brewer, says Kingman was acting in self defense and that it's impossible to know whether Kingman or Dibert caused Overby's injuries.

Dibert is scheduled for trial in January.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-13-09 0741CST | save this article / add to your favorites list