The case of the 25-year-old man accused in last April’s deadly van attack in North York returns to court November 1.

(LinkedIn)

Lawyers for Alek Minassian appeared in court on his behalf this morning.

Outside court, defence lawyer Boris Bytensky, did not comment on his client.

”It’s a very serious matter that is before the courts, this is a matter in which the focus should remain on the victims.”

Minassian faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 of attempted-murder in the April 23 incident.

Bytensky says the case is not expected to go to trial before the end of this year and that Crown prosecutors have asked the attorney general for a direct indictment.

If granted, there would be no preliminary hearing and the case would go straight to trial.