The man accused of stabbing three people at a festival in Vancouver’s Chinatown in September 2023 has pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated assault.

Blair Donnelly, who attended court on Monday carrying a Bible and wearing a navy sweatsuit and bright orange sandals, had been on unescorted leave from the BC Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam the day of the attack.

Crown prosecutor Mark Myhre said Donnelly had admitted he was the person who stabbed the three victims.

"I anticipate the only issue of the court is whether or not Mr. Donnelly is criminally liable or if he is not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder," Myhre said.

The attack triggered an outraged response in the days that followed, with Premier David Eby saying he was "white-hot angry" to fi

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