Milford, USA - A Superior Court judge has ruled that a robbery suspect's belief that God is standing beside him in the courtroom does not mean he needs to be tested for mental competency.
Judge Patrick Carroll said Monday that Gregory Barnes doesn't need a competency evaluation, despite his public defender's concerns. Carroll issued his ruling even though Barnes reportedly believes that God will be standing beside him in the courtroom when he faces trial and will arrange for his acquittal.
Barnes, 36, of West Haven, has refused plea offers from the state and wants to represent himself at trial, without the assistance of court-appointed special public defender Charles Kurmay.
Kurmay had asked the court to order a psychiatric examination of Barnes in order to determine whether he can understand the charges against him and assist in his own defense.
Barnes has refused to cooperate with preparations for trial, Kurmay said, because of "what may be construed as religious beliefs, or may be construed as psychotic beliefs." He said he believes Barnes is having "hallucinations."
Barnes is charged with holding up a series of small-business owners with his nephew in January and February 2004.