A court has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Charles Laxton Sundar, who is charged with the murder of his 86-year-old grandfather. The incident in question occurred last July at the Navokadamu Settlement in Wainibuka, where Sundar allegedly attacked his grandfather with a cane knife, leading to the elderly man’s death from severe injuries.
During a recent appearance in the Suva High Court, the defense attorney informed Justice Usaia Ratuvili that Sundar had not yet undergone a psychiatric assessment. They noted that St Giles Hospital requires Sundar to visit them first, after which medical professionals will conduct a follow-up evaluation while he remains in remand.
Justice Ratuvili approved the request for the evaluation, and the case has been postponed until March 10 for a review. This development highlights the importance of mental health assessments in legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving violent crime, as they can significantly influence the outcome of trials and sentencing.