A PSYCHOLOGICAL report is under way for the man accused of stabbing his friend on Christmas Day in Tamworth.
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Shane Barry Olsen was due to formally enter pleas at an arraignment hearing in Tamworth District Court on Friday.
Instead, he took the opportunity to ask the judge for more time.
"I'm not really in a position to plead today," Olsen told the court via video link.
"I'm in the process of negotiating a private solicitor, I just have to see if I can get the money."
The 45-year-old has been in custody since he handed himself into police on Christmas night.
Judge Jeffery McLennan said it was important to know whether Olsen would be privately represented sooner rather than later.
"Mr Olsen I don't need to ask why you want to do that, but the next question is do you intend to be legally represented in respect of the case brought against you, or do you plan to defend yourself?" he asked.
"You have a right to be represented in a way you are most comfortable with but it's important the issue of your representation be dealt with sooner rather than later.
"As you are in custody, better to have it dealt with sooner rather than later."
The court heard there had been some confusion with Olsen's representation, with a new solicitor from Tamworth's Aboriginal Legal Service assigned to the case on the day of his appearance in the district court.
Olsen will remain in custody until he returns to court later this month to confirm his legal representation.
A solicitor previously entered guilty pleas to the charges of reckless wounding and common assault on behalf of Olsen in Tamworth Local Court in September and he was committed for sentence to the district court.
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Police allege Olsen attacked his 48-year-old friend on the afternoon of December 25 at a Johnston Street hostel.
Detectives claim the incident was sparked by an argument between the pair at a group home, where Olsen then stabbed his friend in the leg and ran.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
