Man sent for psychiatric evaluation after assaulting child

Mar 20, 2015 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

Magistrate Alex Moore ordered that a man be sent for a psychiatric evaluation yesterday, after he was accused

Leyland Murphy

of assaulting a minor.
Leyland Murphy is accused of unlawfully assaulting Kevin Junior on March 17, at Middle Road, East La Penitence.
Murphy refused to enter a plea to the charge after it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The victim’s mother was present at the hearing and she told the court that the defendant resides in the same community as her. She said that on the day in question, the man lashed her son and attempted to throw him overboard. She stressed that the accused is well known in the community for assaulting persons. She stated that the man would sometimes walk up to persons and lash them with a cutlass for no reason. The woman noted that at one time the accused lashed his mother to her head.
She further informed the courtroom that the man is in the habit of carrying out sexual activities with dogs.
Police Corporal Renetta Bentham prosecuted the matter. Bentham did not provide the court with any facts about what transpired on the day in question.
The magistrate informed the courtroom that he will send the accused to be examined by a Medical Practitioner. He pointed out that the man might be in need of help rather than punishment.
Murphy will be examined by Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Senior Psychiatrist, Dr. Bhiro Harry.
Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, the court will know whether the defendant is competent to stand trial or if he needs mental help.
This case was adjourned to April 22 for reports.