A forensic psychiatrist told a trial in Corner Brook that a man who killed his neighbour in 2008 was completely disconnected with reality when it happened.

Dr. Nazir Ladha assessed Christopher Sawicki just days after George Benoit was stabbed to death in Piccadilly, western Newfoundland. On the stand at Sawicki's trial Wednesday, Ladha said it was a quick diagnosis.

He said Sawicki has bipolar disorder and was going through a manic episode at the time of the stabbing.

Ladha, a witness for the defence, said there were some key indicators to show he was not in a clear state of mind.

Sawicki was overly talkative, shouting at times. He was constantly switching topics and couldn't make a complete statement. He had just taken a man's life, yet he was talking about saving the world.

Sawicki was immediately put on medication, and he's been in the Waterford Hospital since the killing nearly two years ago.

The crown is expected to call its own medical expert Friday.

Both the Defence lawyer and the Crown Attorney agree it was Sawicki who stabbed Benoit but it will be up to the jury to decide if the accused should be held criminally responsible for killing him.