Fit or unfit? Court faced with conflicting reports
Jarett Wayne Fraser Heuff, 25, of Pomeroy Ridge, faces charges alleging sexual abuse of minor in McAdam in 2021, but court wrestles with mental state ahead of trial
A court was faced with conflicting psychiatric reports - one indicating a Pomeroy Ridge man was unfit to stand trial on sex-related charges, and another indicating he’s “very probably fit.”
Jarett Wayne Fraser Heuff, 25, of Clark Point Road in Pomeroy Ridge, about 50 kilometres south of McAdam, is awaiting trial on charges of sexual assault and sexual touching, having previously denied them.
The RCMP charges allege offences against a minor in McAdam between Oct. 30-31, 2021.
Heuff had previously undergone a psychiatric assessment to determine if he was fit to stand trial, and that initial exam found him unfit.
However, earlier this summer, the prosecution didn’t accept that finding and asked for a new assessment to be conducted by staff at the Restigouche Hospital Centre.
The parties were back in Fredericton provincial court Thursday, and defence lawyer Edward Derrah said in the new report, a Restigouche doctor indicated his client was “very probably fit.”
With two conflicting reports, Derrah said, the court needed to hold a full fitness hearing.
Crown prosecutor Karen Lee agreed, noting the psychiatrists will need to be cross-examined by counsel on their contradictory findings.
Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman scheduled the hearing for Dec. 6, though the lawyers said they’ll contact the court if the psychiatrists aren’t available on that date.
Heuff’s trial had been scheduled for Nov. 16, so the later date for the fitness hearing essentially scuttles that plan.
The judge expressed concern the case was beginning to get too drawn out.
“This matter should be moving forward,” she said.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.