Brian Craig Irving, 51, has been declared fit to stand trial.
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Driver charged with murder in sushi restaurant crash
Maple Ridge News
Driver in sushi restaurant crash fit for trial
By Monisha Martins - Maple Ridge News
Published: October 03, 2008 11:00 AM
Updated: October 07, 2008 3:44 PM
A Maple Ridge man who crashed into a sushi restaurant, killing two people, has been declared fit to stand trial.
Brian Craig Irving is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and six counts of attempted murder stemming from the Aug. 28 crash at Halu Sushi in Westgate Centre.
A psychiatric assessment was ordered for the 51-year-old last month after questions about his medical condition arose.
Crown prosecutors said Irving has a “lengthy history of alcoholism” and had suffered a head injury in February that required brain surgery.
Irving was admitted to the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, at Colony Farm, in Coquitlam for the assessment, but has since been transferred to the Surrey Pre-Trial Centre.
"He appears to be fit for court, for trial at this point," Crown prosecutor Robert Bonner said.
Bonner asked for a lengthy adjournment so that the police investigation could continue.
"Hopefully by that time we'll be able to take the next steps," Bonner added.
More evidence will also be discloses to Irving's lawyer, John Conroy, in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, Conroy plans to make an application for bail in supreme court.
To determine the terms for bail, a judge will take into account the person's alleged offence, record of convictions, previous history of appearing for court and other related matters.
A clean-shaven Irving looked at his family, who was present in court at Friday's short hearing.
Police allege he drove his blue Dodge truck into Halu Sushi during the dinner rush around 6 p.m. on Aug. 28, killing two Maple Ridge residents – 19-year-old Maija-Liisa Corbett and 46-year-old Hyeshim Oh.
The truck travelled through the front window of the restaurant and scattered diners as it smashed into tables and chairs.
Corbett was having dinner with a friend, while Oh was paying for a take-out meal at the cash register.
Six diners were pinned under the truck as it plowed through the window. Nine-year-old Joel Corbin, who was injured along with his 17-year-old sister Juanita, remains in hospital. Joel is in a semi-conscious state, but can talk and follow simple commands.
Irving returns to provincial court on Oct. 31.
mmartins@mapleridgenews.com
