Judge orders mental health assessment after accused causes disturbance in court

By Jeremy Appel on August 3, 2018.

Medicine Hat News

A man charged with mischief who repeatedly interrupted the judge and duty counsel during his appearance at Medicine Hat Provincial Court on Thursday has been ordered to undergo a mental health assessment.

Lee Arnold Clark, who also faces charges of methamphetamine possession and failure to comply with appearance notice for refusing to get his fingerprints taken, appeared in person behind the prisoner box.

Duty counsel said they are unable to receive instructions from Clark, who insists people who aren’t police or paramedics held him down and broke one of his ribs while in custody.

The prisoner referred once to hearing voices, suggesting he suffers from hallucinations.

“I’m not satisfied that … you were criminally responsible for that acts you committed,” said Judge G. Krinke.

“I’m not satisfied that you’re fit to stand trial.”

On June 26, Clark was arrested for methamphetamine possession, refusing to have his fingerprints taken on July 3 before causing a public disturbance on July 31.

The case was adjourned to Aug. 30, so Clark’s fitness to stand trial could be assessed.