Firearms suspect won’t engage with lawyer
Darrell Richard Barnes, 51, of Fredericton, tells court he hears voices but has undergone three psych exams, indicating he’s fit to stand trial, not exempt from criminal responsibility
A Fredericton man facing serious firearms allegations from last year has yet to elect mode of trial or enter pleas, and his lawyer told a court last week he doesn’t communicate with her.
Darrell Richard Barnes, 51, of Brunswick Street, is charged with discharging a firearm at Dustin Madden in Geary with intent to wound him or endanger his life; pointing a firearm at Madden; possessing a rifle without a licence; and possessing stolen social insurance and Visa cards, all on Oct. 3, 2023, in Geary.
He’s also accused of breaching a release order by failing to attend court Nov. 23, 2023.
Barnes was back in Fredericton provincial court Thursday to answer to the charges, and defence lawyer Bronwyn Mooney was also on hand to represent him.
But there was a new problem in the drawn-out case.