Marco Muzzo's defence needs time to decide how he will plead

After appearing in court this morning, Marco Muzzo'sdefence team said it's too early to decide how he'll pleadto impaired driving and other charges laid against himafter a fatal crash that killed four people last Sunday in Vaughan.

The 29-year-old from King Township remainedin custody after a brief court appearance Friday. Hewas transported to the Newmarket courthouse inan Ontario Provincial Policevan. Wearing a black T-shirtand jeans, he appeared for less than five minutes.

Brian Greenspan, Muzzo's lawyer, took some questions from reporters after expressing condolences from the accused and hisfamily.He described the deaths from the crashas "a tragic situation," and said theMuzzofamily "extends its condolences to the families involved."

When askedhow the 29-year-old would plead to 18 charges, including impaired driving and dangerous driving causing death, Greenspan said:"That's premature. It's not an appropriate question at this stage."

The lawyer added his client's defence only received disclosure from police thatmorning and would need time to evaluate the information so they "canmake a proper and intelligent evaluation of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."

Muzzo'snext court date was set for Oct. 19, whenMuzzowill find out if he isgranted bail.

Early courtroom entrance

CBC News has learned the Muzzo family got into the courthouse at 7:30 a.m. Friday, well before the timewhen doors open to the public at 8:15 a.m. Court security admitted the early entrancewas a rare occurrence.

Muzzo'smother and hisfiancewere accompanied byfive private security guards.

TheMuzzofamily owns the construction companyMarelContractors and are worthnearly $1.8 billion, according to Canadian Business magazine.

Last Sunday,Muzzo'sblack SUV and aminivancollidedat the intersection of Kirby Road and Kipling Avenue, north ofKleinburg, Ont. A third vehicle was also involved in the crash.

Three children and their grandfather, members of the Neville-Lake family,were killed in the collision.

Candlelight vigils were held Thursday forDaniel Neville-Lake, 9,his brotherHarrison, 5, their sister Milly, 2, and 65-year-old Gary Neville.

Two public visitations will be held this Sunday in Brampton to honour the four relatives killed in the crash.