Church burglary suspect unfit to plead (From Daily Echo)
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Church burglary suspect unfit to plead
1:10pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in New Forest
Church burglary suspect unfit to plead
A JUDGE has ruled that a man suspected of alleged offences at a Hampshire church is unfit to plead.
Psychiatrist David Morton told a hearing at Winchester Crown Court that Derrick Gardner had limited attention and did not believe he was capable of following proceedings and giving evidence. “He doesn’t understand the workings of a court and the role of a judge and a jury.”
Recorder Richard Tyson, who also read another psychiatric report, adjourned his case to April 25 for a jury to determine whether Gardner committed the two acts alleged against him.
Gardner, 51, of no fixed abode, is accused of stealing keys from St Saviour’s Church in Brockenhurst, and burgling its hall to steal a cake. He was further remanded in custody.
