Christopher Valisov Sawicki appeared in provincial court in St. John¹s Friday morning.
The 48-year-old was back in court for an update on his psychiatric
assessment, which has been going on at the Waterford Hospital since early
May.
Sawicki's lawyer, Peter Ralph, told the judge he is waiting for a report from Dr. Nizar Ladha at the Waterford, and expects the doctor to find Sawicki mentally fit to stand
trial.
Ralph and Crown prosecutor Robin Fowler agreed to hold a hearing Tuesday to
discuss the issue of Sawicki¹s mental fitness. This would mark the
completion of his 60-day psychiatric evaluation.
Judge Wynnanne Trahey will preside at the hearing from Stephenville, but
since most of those directly involved are in St. John¹s, it will be held via
teleconference.
Sawicki was charged with first-degree murder, arson and car theft in relation to events leading to the death of a Piccadilly man.
Editor's Note: This news brief prepared with files from Rosie Gillingham, The Telegram's court and justice reporter. For complete story, visit http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=145939&sc=79
