Xhevahir Myftari was dealing with a schizophrenic disorder before he left his native Albania for Canada, a Guelph court heard Wednesday.

Myftari is accused of second-degree murder in connection with the death of his sister-in-law, Julia Vlashi.

He has admitted to stabbing her to death, and pleaded not criminally responsible for the attack.

Wednesday’s testimony came from Julian Gojer, a forensic psychiatrist.

He told the court that Myftari was hearing voices and suffering hallucinations at the time of the stabbing, in August 2012.

“These hallucinations affected his ability to make rational decisions,” he said.

“He was more focused on what the voices were telling him, not on the effects of even striking the victim.”

The trial has heard that Myftari was upset with Vlashi’s attempts to increase the dosage of his medication.