Accused awaits trial on kidnap charge

'UNACCEPTABLE': Jamie Gill has been in custody six months. PHOTO/FILE

A Masterton man, in custody since February and charged with kidnapping a woman, is still waiting for psychiatric reports.

Jamie Gill, 24, reappeared in Masterton District Court on Thursday on charges of kidnapping, threatening to kill, and possessing a methamphetamine pipe.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges on February 17.

On April 16, his lawyer, Peter Stevens, asked the court to order a psychiatric report to assess whether Gill might have been insane at the time of the alleged offences.

When Gill appeared on Thursday, Mr Stevens said the second of two required reports had not yet been completed.

In the dock, Gill addressed the judge himself, speaking clearly but with some frustration. "Can I say something?"

When Judge Stephanie Edwards told Gill she would rather he spoke through his lawyer, Gill complained, "I haven't even seen my lawyer."

"You see it's just that this has been going on for months ... six months."

"Yes it has," the judge said.

She noted the report was "way past the time" it was due, and told Gill, "we need to see if there is any insanity defence available to you.

"We can't do that without expert witnesses ...

"We can't progress without a report."

Gill asked if, or when, he could go for bail and Judge Edwards said she did not have a bail application before her, but that Gill could see his lawyer.

The judge remanded Gill in custody until September 3, saying Forensic Services "have advised the second report will be available by that date".

The judge said the agencies involved should be providing reports more quickly.

"The delays are becoming completely unacceptable," Judge Edwards said.