The psychiatric assessment for a man accused in the beating death of a prominent gay rights activist in Halifax has been delayed.
Andre Noel Denny, 33, covered his face as he appeared in Halifax provincial court this morning, where the Crown and defence agreed to extend his assessment to August 13.
Denny had been granted a one-hour unescorted leave from the East Coast Forensic Hospital the night of April 16, but he failed to return to the facility.
A few hours later, the body of 49-year-old Raymond Taavel was found outside a bar on Gottingen Street, and Denny was charged with second-degree murder in his death.
The results of a 60-day assessment to determine Denny's fitness to stand trial and criminal responsibility were due today, but the Crown requested another 60 days. Crown attorney Darrell Martin told the court that Hy Bloom, the Toronto-based psychiatrist assigned to the case, needs more time to go over Denny's medical history.
Denny was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager.
"He needs more time because it's a complex case and he is out of town and the logistics of coming from Ontario to here, coupled with his busy practice, has made it difficult for him to do this assessment in the time period allotted," said Martin.
The assessment had been previously extended after the East Coast Forensic Hospital sent a letter to the Crown noting a conflict of interest in the case.
The circumstances around Denny's release from the hospital are now the subject of a review by the provincial government.
Nova Scotia's Health Department said last month that the review of the psychiatric facility will focus on patient supervision and public notification when a patient fails to return while out on a pass. It will also examine community access privileges granted to some patients.
The review is expected to finish this summer.
With files from The Canadian Press
