Man accused of killing father to undergo assessment

As lawyers discussed sending him for a psychiatric examination, murder suspect Vincent Fong stood fidgeting in the prisoner’s box Friday, twice spinning around while speaking to an interpreter.

Provincial court Judge Lloyd Robertson agreed with Crown and defence counsel that Fong should be assessed to determine his fitness to stand trial for the killing of his father.

Prosecutor Mike Ewenson and defence lawyer Ben Leung, who has not yet been hired to act for Fong, both said an assessment was warranted after the accused was examined by psychiatrist Dr. Ken Hashman.

“Mr. Fong does consent to this through his guardian, his mother,” said Ewenson, as Fong ’s remaining parent sat quietly in the front row of the courtroom gallery.

Leung said Fong was not opposed to being sent for testing.

“And then what happens after?” Fong asked, through the Cantonese interpreter, before spinning around 360 degrees in the prisoner’s box. He also repeatedly flapped his right hand. Both behaviours are common in individuals with autism, which Fong has.

Fong, 36, was arrested Wednesday and charged with seconddegree murder in the death of his father, Shu Kwan Fong.

Fong returns to court Feb. 8.