The lawyer representing the man who brutally stabbed and raped his neighbour said Monday her client is not criminally responsible for the act -- but should remain in custody for the rest of his life.
Defence lawyer Laurie Wood said Ryan James Huppie, 24, should remain in a hospital for his part in the attack. She said he does not belong in a prison.
"Mr. Huppie has been seeing a psychiatrist since he was five years old," she said.
Wood said Huppie suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome and dissociation.
This was the first day of the trial. It is scheduled to run for four weeks. Both Huppie and the victim - who cannot be named due to a publication ban - are expected to testify.
Huppie is accused of raping and stabbing a 33-year-old woman in her downtown condo on Feb. 17, 2004.
Court documents alleged Huppie bet a friend $500 that he could kill and rape his neighbour. Carrying a large knife and a cleaver, the Crown alleges he crossed over a common balcony into the woman's condo. She was sleeping at the time.
Police allege she was raped for more than two hours.
Huppie is alleged to have later slashed her throat and stabbed her several times. Despite suffering from major blood loss, the victim was able to call 911.
The court was presented with photos of Huppie with his hands covered in bruises shortly after he was taken into custody.
Other documents reveal a note left on the victim's door that February, reading: "Hey hot neighbour, happy Valentine's Day, I wrote you this note to pretty much say hi because you're so hot."
The note ends with Huppie saying, "Write me back with a smile because I think I made you blush. P.S. Your next door neighbour Damon."
Wood said Huppie's often goes by the alter ego Damon
Huppie was charged with five offences: attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, unlawful confinement, and break and enter with the intent to commit aggravated sexual assault.
With files from David Ewasuk
