CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A P.E.I. man whose court-ordered mental health assessment has been delayed will have to wait a little longer before it’s done.
William Wesley Gunning, 23, appeared before Chief Judge Nancy Orr in provincial court in Charlottetown Monday on several charges that include assault and forcible confinement.
During his appearance, Crown attorney Jeff MacDonald told the court an assessment ordered on March 29 still hasn’t been done, but Health P.E.I. will be providing someone to complete it.
MacDonald said the office of Dr. Heather Keizer, who is chief of mental health and addictions, asked for an extension of the assessment order.
The maximum extension period is 60 days.
Gunning remains in custody while his case is before the courts.
During a previous appearance, defence lawyer Thane MacEachern told the court Nova Scotia’s East Coast Forensic Hospital wouldn’t be doing the assessment.
P.E.I. doesn’t have the necessary forensic resources or expertise and has a memorandum of understanding with the hospital to perform assessments for the courts.
The memorandum of understanding is based on the availability of resources at the East Coast Forensic Hospital, which no longer has the capacity to do inpatient court-ordered assessments for P.E.I.
On Monday, Orr extended the assessment period and said it must be done on or before May 30.
She also said someone sitting in custody waiting to be seen for an assessment is not acceptable.
“Something needs to be done about these matters,” Orr said.
Gunning will be back in court on June 10.
RELATED
