OTTAWA - The lawyer for a man accused of killing a local police constable says his client could be found not criminally responsible.
Lawyer Israel Gencher says it's possible suspected cop killer Kevin Gregson could be found not criminally responsible for the Dec. 29 killing.
Gencher says he's had "preliminary conversations with some health-care professionals" about a psychiatric assessment.
Gregson, 43, made a brief appearance at the local courthouse today dressed in a rumpled white T-shirt and faded green track pants.
He was wearing handcuffs and shuffled to the glass-enclosed witness box.
Gregson, a suspended RCMP officer, is charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Const. Eric Czapnik, 51.
Gregson's next scheduled court appearance is Jan. 19.
Gencher said Gregson is still under suicide watch but suggested his client wasn't under the same level of risk as a few days ago after his arrest.
"From his initial arrest to today, there's been a certain relaxation in the level of scrutiny," said Gencher. "I'm concerned for my client."
Gencher acknowledged stitches on both sides of Gregson's neck were the result of a struggle when he was tackled following his alleged attack on Czapnik.
Gencher said it's not likely Gregson will seek bail.
One of Czapnik's sons was in the courtroom, flanked by investigators.
Gregson was originally scheduled to appear Thursday, but a source close to the case told the Ottawa Sun that police didn't want him to appear on the same day as Czapnik's funeral.
Up to 10,000 police officers from across Canada are expected to march behind Czapnik's coffin during a funeral procession through the streets of the city Thursday.
Gregson made a first, brief appearance in court last week. He was ordered not to communicate with five potential witnesses in the case, including his current and former wives and two children.
