Mar 27 - Judge Decides Mentally Ill Man Is Unfit To Face Trial
A mentally ill man who is currently in the King George V Hospital was deemed to be unfit to plea or stand for trial at a Supreme Court case review this morning. The local man, who is in his forties, was arrested in 2012 on suspicion of arson. He spent several months in prison on remand before being transferred to the hospital.
Puisne Judge Barrington Black came to the decision after considering the expert reports of two consultant psychiatrists. He indicated that, although the defendant was unfit to stand trial, a jury would still be assembled next month in order to hear witness statements to determine whether he in fact committed the act. The Judge will then decide whether to hand the defendant a discharge or impose a hospital or supervision order.
Eric Ellul appeared for the defendant with Robert Fischel QC acting on behalf of the Crown.
