Criminal to undergo mental assessment

A violent criminal will have his mental health assessed before an appeal on his sentence is heard.

Moncello David Shirley, 19, of Christchurch, was sentenced to six years' jail in January after stabbing a man in the chest at a party, narrowly missing his heart, while on bail for an aggravated robbery.

At the sentencing, his lawyer spoke of a sad upbringing and an inability to explain his actions.

Judge Colin Doherty noted Shirley seemed to be suffering from head trauma and the Probation Service indicated he required psychological intervention.

Shirley has appealed his sentence, and his new lawyer asked the Court of Appeal to order an assessment to help determine whether the six-year term, or any prison term, was appropriate.

The Crown did not oppose the application.

Shirley will see both a psychiatrist and psychologist before his appeal is heard.

- NZPA