Crossbow murder accused to undergo more psychiatric tests

Defence QC says he still has concerns about Charles Little’s mental health and his ability to instruct him

A man accused of killing a Dundee labourer after firing a crossbow at him will undergo more psychiatric tests.

Charles Little, 31, is alleged to have stabbed Gordon Diduca – also known as Gordon Adams – to death after firing arrows at him in a block of flats close to Tannadice Park in September last year.

Defence advocate Mark Stewart QC told the High Court in Glasgow he still had concerns about Little’s mental health and how that might affect his ability to instruct him.

He asked for a continuation of the trial to allow the defence to order further psychiatric assessments.

Little has returned to the prison system after being subject to a mental health treatment order at Carstairs state hospital.

Mr Stewart said a doctor at Carstairs had said Little did not require further mental health treatment there.

He said: “There has been a lengthy history in this case with a number of specialist reports from expert medical doctors.

“Your lordship will note there was a conclusion reached by those at the state hospital that Mr Little did not require any assistance and could go back into the prison system.

“Your lordship will see although Little suffers from mental illness, that it does not require internment at Carstairs.

“I have to take instruction from him and I am still greatly concerned.

“Up until yesterday there was no indication Little would be in a position to pass instructions so my preferred course of action is not to enter a plea.”

Lord Burns revoked the treatment order for Carstairs and allowed the trial to continue for the defence counsel to obtain further psychiatric reports.

Little, of Dundonald Court, is accused of firing a bow and arrows at Mr Adams and others, before striking Mr Adams with a knife and killing him.

He is further accused of assaulting Mr Diduca, Jason Sinclair and Colin Hughes in the property’s communal landing, threatening them with a bow and arrow, and repeatedly firing arrows towards them.

Little appeared at the Glasgow High Court on Wednesday morning for the continued preliminary hearing and made no plea.

The trial was continued until August 23.

There has been a lengthy history in this case with a number of specialist reports from expert medical doctors.

DEFENCE ADVOCATE MARK STEWART QC

Gordon Diduca - also known as Gordon Adams - died after allegedly having arrows fired at him and being stabbed at a block of flats near Tannadice Park in Dundee.