Alek Minassian is charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 of attempted murder over the attack on 23 April 2018.

After his arrest he told police he was a virgin and had acted in "retribution" at being repeatedly rejected by women.

He said he identified with the "incel" movement - meaning involuntarily celibate - an online subculture where men bemoan their lack of sexual success and vent misogynistic views.

Eight women and two men, aged from 22 to 94, died in Canada's biggest city when he drove his van onto the pavement.

His trial is due to start in April, and on Thursday prosecutor John Rinaldi read out an agreed statement of facts between the prosecution and defence.

"While driving the van in the said area, (Minassian) drove his van into, or otherwise struck, at least 26 people, 10 of those people were killed and 16 injured to various degrees," he said.

Minassian, 27, is in a Toronto court for a pre-trial motion where his lawyer is fighting over the admissibility of a statement he gave police shortly after his arrest.

Read more: Sky News