Monday, January 22, 2007 2:17 Eastern Time

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - The judge in the serial-murder trial ofRobert Pickton says the evidence will likely be distressing andrepulsive and could overwhelm jurors.

Justice James Williams told jurors they should guard againsthaving their objectivity swept away by what they will hear. He told them they are the judges of the facts, and they mayconsider only the evidence they hear and see in the courtroom.

The jury trial in the case has just begun. Williams warned jurors to avoid all media coverage of the caseand not to discuss the case with anyone. He told the jury to consider the evidence with an open mind andnot to be prejudiced by sympathy, fear, or public opinion.