Psychological assessment ordered
Westville man facing child pornography charges in Hants County
A Westville man accused of sex-related charges involving children has been sent for a psychological fitness assessment.
Brett Andrew MacBeth, 19, was present in Windsor provincial court in custody on Feb. 9. The defence requested a psychological fitness assessment of MacBeth, which was granted by the court. MacBeth was remanded to the East Coast Forensic Psychiatric Hospital to have his mental condition assessed. His matters have been adjourned until March 9 for a fitness hearing.
The assessment is to determine whether or not the accused suffered from a mental disorder that would exempt the accused from criminal responsibility at the time of the alleged acts charged against the accused.
MacBeth is charged with two counts of making child pornography; two counts of sexual touching involving a person under age 16; and two counts of sexual assault. It’s alleged that he committed the offences in Kempt Shore between July 6 and 19, 2016, and between July 11 and 17, 2017. The charges have not been proven in court.
Publication bans protect the identities of two alleged victims. MacBeth has been ordered to have no direct or indirect com- munication with the alleged victims.
On Oct. 11, the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit searched a home in Westville. With assistance from the RCMP Technological Crime Unit, the Westville Police Service, Pictou District RCMP, the RCMP Special Operations Tactical Search Team and the RCMP North East Nova Major Crime Unit, MacBeth was arrested at the home without incident.
The RCMP stated in an Oct. 13, 2017, news release that police are concerned that there may be other victims. Citizens were asked to contact the RCMP Provincial ICE Unit at 902-720-5340 if they have any infor- mation.
In Nova Scotia, it’s mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography. This means that anyone who encounters child pornography in any form must report it to police. Failing to report suspicious activity and materials could result in penalties similar to failure to report child abuse as set out in the Children and Family Services Act.
The RCMP encourages citizens to be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting any suspected offences to local police or by using Canada’s national tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation of children at www.cybertip.ca.