Man to be examined by psychologist after odd behaviour in court

A man who refused to accept help from a courtappointed lawyer will be examined by a psychologist to determine his mental fitness.

Carl Ittu McIntosh was handcuffed and mumbling incoherently when he was brought into court Tuesday on charges of robbery and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The accused immediately sat down on the bench in the prisoner’s dock and leaned down behind the wall of the enclosure hiding himself from the judge and rest of the courtroom.

Duty counsel told court he tried to talk to the accused, but he refused help. And when the judge ordered him to stand so he could hear what lawyers were saying about his case, he stood momentarily then returned to cowering behind the wall.

Crown prosecutor Vaughan Hartigan said he didn’t have any medical evidence to explain the man’s mental state, and suggested a psychologist exam him to determine whether the court should order further mental assessments under section 672 of the Criminal Code.

That section states that the court may order an assessment if there are reasonable grounds to believe it will determine whether the accused is unfit to stand trial, or was, at the time of the alleged offence, suffering from a mental disorder that could exempt him from criminal responsibility.

Judge J. G. Easton remanded McIntosh in custody while a Lethbridge psychologist examines him, and the matter was adjourned to Thursday.

“I’m troubled by his conduct,” Easton said before the accused was led from the courtroom.

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