By Canadian Press

Psychiatrist for the defence set to testify for third day at Toronto van attack trial

Dec 2, 2020 | 3:03 AM

TORONTO — The defence’s star witness in the Toronto van attack trial is set for his third day of testimony today.

Psychiatrist Dr. Alexander Westphal says Alek Minassian was influenced by the horrific material he consumed online.

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

Westphal is expected to say Minassian is not criminally responsible for his actions on April 23, 2018, due to autism spectrum disorder.

The psychiatrist who specializes in autism says there is no good explanation from Minassian about why he committed the attack.

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Minassian has admitted to planning and carrying out the attack, leaving his state of mind the sole issue at the judge-alone trial.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 2, 2020.

The Canadian Press