Vernon, B.C. man accused of murder found fit to stand trial | 24CA News

He was accused of homicide, however for nearly three years a Vernon, B.C., man’s courtroom case has been on maintain.

Richard William Fairgrieve suffered a collection of strokes and was thought-about unfit to face trial.

However, after a listening to on Monday, the BC Review Board decided Fairgrieve is able to heading again to courtroom.

Fairgrieve was one of many individuals charged with killing William Bartz in his Vernon, B.C., house in July 2017.

The fit-to-stand trial choice was the result the sufferer’s sister, Teresa Bartz, hoped for.

Teresa Bartz mentioned she was “optimistically happy” the case was headed again to courtroom.

“It is the light at the end of the tunnel so that this can finally be put to rest. We can finally move forward and finally have justice for Willy,” mentioned Teresa Bartz.

While greater than 5 years have handed since Bartz’s demise, Fairgrieve has but to face trial.

He was discovered unfit in courtroom nearly three years in the past and has been held at a forensic psychiatric hospital in Coquitlam.

Lots of the testimony at Monday’s listening to targeted on Fairgrieve’s capacity to speak and perceive proceedings.

There have been usually lengthy pauses in Fairgrieve’s solutions and members within the listening to spoke very slowly to assist him comply with what was being mentioned.

However, finally each Crown counsel and Fairgrieve’s lawyer argued he ought to be discovered match.

That was a marked change from final yr’s health listening to when each Fairgrieve’s lawyer and Crown counsel argued he was not match for trial.

On Monday, defence mentioned Fairgrieve desires to return to courtroom as quickly as attainable to handle the cost and that his testimony confirmed he understands the second-degree homicide cost and the attainable penalties he may face.

After listening to Fairgrieve’s testimony, Crown agreed the accused would have the ability to meaningfully take part in a courtroom case.

“A return to court does not mean that it will be an easy, swift, or time-efficient trial. However, if Mr. Fairgrieve is well supported with a lot of effort by his counsel and the court, a trial will be able to occur,” the prosecutor informed the assessment board listening to.

After deliberating, the BC Review Board agreed with the attorneys and located Fairgrieve match for trial.

The case will now be referred again to courtroom which is predicted to carry its personal health listening to.

Fairgrieve mentioned if the case goes to trial, he plans to plead not responsible.

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