Fit for trial?
Murder accused to undergo psychiatric assessment
A Cape Breton man charged with first-degree murder in relation to the death of his common-law partner is to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment.
During a provincial court hearing Friday, defence lawyer Darlene MacRury requested the assessment to aid in determining whether her client is fit to stand trial and whether Richard Wayne McNeil, 40, could be held criminally responsible for the crime.
She told Judge Peter Ross that McNeil’s family has expressed concern about his mental health, noting he has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
MacRury said since her client’s arrest on April 18, he’s been on remand at the Cape Breton Correctional Centre where staff sent him to hospital on one occasion.
She said one correctional officer described McNeil’s behavior while in jail as representing a disconnect from reality.
She added that in her conversations with McNeil, it appears he is failing to fully appreciate the seriousness of the situation.
“There are clear mental health issues which have been ongoing for some time,” said MacRury.
Prosecutor Glenn Gouthro raised no objection to the assessment that was granted by Ross.
McNeil is now scheduled to return to provincial court May 26. The assessment is being completed at the East Coast Forensic Hospital in Dartmouth.
During Friday’s proceeding, McNeil remained in the sheriff cell area rather appearing in court in person. Ross consented to the request.
The elevator used by deputies to escort accused from the cell area to the various courts is being repaired, resulting in some accused being walked through public areas and using the public elevator.
The Gardiner Mines man is charged in the death of 33-year-old Sarabeth Ann Forbes at their home on O’Brien Street.
A memorial service for Forbes was held Tuesday at a funeral home in Glace Bay. The couple has one child, a son.
Paranoid schizophrenia is a common form of mental disorder and is marked by an individual experiencing delusions that others are plotting against them or the ones they love.