THE LAWYER for a man accused of causing an inferno on a suburban street wants him to undergo psychiatric assessment.
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Denis Shillingsworth appeared in Tamworth Local Court last week wearing prison greens from the mental health unit at Long Bay Hospital.
He was represented by his solicitor Yvonne Phillipos, who only took on the case two weeks earlier after Shillingsworth sacked his last legal representative.
"I have only had the opportunity to have two audio visual conferences with Mr Shillingsworth and I have significant concerns for his mental health," she said.
"I am seeking an adjournment to the 11th to get a psychiatric report.
"If Your Honour would grant that adjournment, I think it's in the best interests of Mr Shillingsworth to have that report before he enters any pleas."
Shillingsworth faces a raft of charges in relation to a wild crime spree across Tamworth where it's alleged he stole a car and drove through Woodward Avenue, Susanne, Edward and Vera streets before he came to a fiery halt.
Police claim he caused more than $15,000 worth of property damage when he crashed into a parked car that burst into flames and caused a nearby garage to go up in flames.
The 39-year-old has remained in custody since his arrest in December last year and has bounced from lawyer to lawyer since.
Ms Phillipos asked for an adjournment on the last occasion to get details on the case.
As a result, Shillingsworth was put in touch with the Justice Advocacy Service, which provides legal support, to explain the court system to him.
He faces five charges including two counts of assault with intent to take and drive a vehicle; stealing a car; damaging more than $15,000 worth of property; and assaulting on-duty police causing actual harm.
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Shillingsworth is yet to enter a plea to any of the charges.
DPP solicitor Alex Tiedeman told magistrate Mal MacPherson she had no issue with adjourning the matter for Shillingsworth to have a psychiatric assessment.
"Your solicitor has asked the matter to go over to November 11 to have discussions with you and it will come back on that date," Mr MacPherson told the accused.
The matter was adjourned and he made no application for bail, which was formally refused.
The case was expected to go to a case conference at least two months ago but has been plagued with delays because of his legal representation.
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.
