Disturbed homeless man released on conditions

Facing assault and disturbance charges, Abdusalam Zakaria, 51, of no fixed address, shouted at prosecutor to shut up, kept calling judge “Mom” during court proceeding

A homeless man who was clearly unwell mentally refused to deal with any court officials or staff other than a judge Thursday as he appeared in custody on assault and public disturbance charges.

Abdusalam Zakaria, 51, of no fixed address, made an initial appearance in Fredericton provincial court Thursday afternoon by telephone from the cellblock at the city police force station.

Judge Mary Jane Richards told him he faces charges of assaulting William Morrison and causing a disturbance at Dollarama on Prospect Street by yelling.