The young man accused of assaulting a 10-year-old girl in the middle of the street in east Montreal last March is not criminally responsible for his actions because of his mental disorders, psychiatrists concluded in a “comprehensive” report Wednesday in court.
Posted at 1:09 p.m
Louis Samuel Perron The Press
Tanvir Singh faces four charges, including aggravated assault, in the case that shocked the public. In broad daylight, the 21-year-old man is said to have beaten a young girl who was walking the sidewalk of Tricentenaire Boulevard in the Pointe-aux-Trembles sector. The girl reportedly received several blows to the head during the attack before passers-by could rescue her.
Two weeks after his arrest, Tanvir Singh was first found fit to appear in court. The court then ordered a more comprehensive review of his criminal liability.
According to Crown Prosecutor Me Annabelle Sheppard, in the eyes of experts at the National Institute for Forensic Psychiatry Philippe-Pinel, “Section 16 of the Criminal Code” on defenses against mental disorders “would apply”.
“It is a report that appears to be very comprehensive. We’re really going to take the time to read it well beforehand,” Me Sheppard commented to a press crowd following the Montreal courthouse hearing.
It is impossible to reproduce the remarks made during the brief hearing, as defense counsel Me Mileva Camiré mumbled in English while addressing the court. And in the hustle and bustle of this busy room, even Judge Flavia K. Longo’s words were unintelligible.
In the dock, Tanvir Singh said nothing and appeared unimpressed
The case will be brought back to court on June 7. At this stage, the Crown could request a second opinion or agree with the conclusion of this report and suggest that the judge declare the accused not criminally responsible.
“If someone is found not to be criminally responsible, they are not necessarily released, they are locked up in the mental institution,” Mr. Sheppard said.