By Canadian Press

Psychiatrist to be cross-examined by defence at Toronto’s van attack trial

Dec 14, 2020 | 2:02 AM

TORONTO — The prosecution’s final witness in Toronto’s van attack trial will be cross-examined by the defence today.

Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Scott Woodside says Alek Minassian knew his actions were morally wrong.

Woodside says Minassian’s desire to gain notoriety demonstrates that he knew the attack would be viewed by the public as a despicable act.

The 28-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder.

The defence argues Minassian should be held not criminally responsible for his actions on April 23, 2018, due to autism spectrum disorder.

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Minassian’s state of mind is the sole issue at trial since he has admitted to planning and carrying out the attack.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2020.

The Canadian Press