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Cusack to undergo second psych evaluation

the man accused of setting fire to both the Grand Forks and Winnipeg hotels in 2012, appeared in Grand Forks Court on April 9.

Christopher Cusack, the man accused of setting fire to both the Grand Forks and Winnipeg hotels in 2012, appeared in Grand Forks Provincial Court on April 9 for a continuation of his trial.Cusack is charged with two counts of arson in relation to an inhabited property.On Oct. 1, 2013, Cusack’s lawyer, Ken Wyllie, pleaded not guilty on his behalf but did submit an admission of facts. In the admission, Cusack admitted to setting the two fires.Cusack had been out on bail and living in northern Alberta, but was recently picked up on a warrant and was in custody in Castlegar.In court on April 9, Wyllie asked to submit a psychiatric evaluation from Dr. Hediger dated June 4, 2012. Wyllie argued that according to the report, Cusack could not be found criminally responsible.Prosecutor Lynn Moffat would not consent to the report, stating that it was old and should be updated. Moffat also suggested that Dr. Hediger should be made available for cross-examination.“Why would my friend (Moffat) not want the court to look at the document?” said Wyllie.Moffat responded that she would prefer a new, fresh perspective on the evaluation. “In my opinion, it’s not helpful to the court,” said Moffat.After some further discussion, the presiding judge, Judge R. Fabbro, asked Wyllie if he was asking for an application for assessment.Wyllie responded by saying he would make an order with new information including the statement of facts.The judge added that Crown can get the report and have an opportunity to cross-examine the psychiatrist.Moffat said the updated evaluation would assist the case and consented to the report.The judge ordered that the evaluation report of Cusack would be completed by Dr. Hediger at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam on or before May 6 and be available in writing for both the Crown and the defendant.He also said the doctor would receive the statement of facts for the evaluation.Dr. Hediger would also need to be available for cross-examination when the report is brought into evidence, if it is, said the judge.The trial was adjourned and Cusack was remanded to custody.