Judge fumes over outstanding psych evaluations

Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell on Monday chided the lack of efficiency displayed by psychiatrists at one of the island's correctional facilities.

Her comments came after a psychiatric evaluation report was not made available for an accused man, Dirane Lawerence, to assist in his attempt to enter a plea.

"All I need is the paper to say that this man is fit to plead. He has been in custody since May 9 for a psych evaluation and the report is not here. This is what inefficient agencies cause. Then people say that court take long, people say Ms Burrell court take long," the senior jurist expressed.

Lawrence, who indicated that he has three mental illnesses, is charged along with Leroy Swaby for malicious destruction of property and simple larceny. Swaby and Lawrence are accused of breaking the windows of the complainant's vehicle and taking out 15 crossbody bags and other items valued at $15,750. The incident is alleged to have taken place on April 19 along Tower Street in Kingston.

No pleas were entered when the men appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. They were remanded in custody until August 9 for mention. - T.T.