Nicholas Layman retains Mark Gruchy as new lawyer

A young man accused of attempted murder in the stabbing of an 11-year-old boy in Conception Bay South has retained a new defence lawyer to represent him.

Nicholas Layman, 20, was represented by Joan Dawson, who often handles court cases which involves mental health illnesses. 

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Mark Gruchy, who represented Philip Pynn during his second degree murder trial, has taken over as Layman's lawyer.

Gruchy is also president of the Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador.

The boy who was stabbed on the soccer pitch in Topsail recovered from his injuries, and was released from hospital about two weeks after the incident, which made national headlines. He cannot be named because of a publication ban. 

No reason was given for the switch in lawyers when the case was called in provincial court in St. John's on Wednesday. 

Layman, who has a history of mental illness, is on remand at the Waterford Hospital.