(Jamaica Gleaner) – Accused hijacker Stephen Fray’s lawyer George Thomas wants the Supreme Court to grant his client privilege to be placed in an institution where he can be treated for paranoid schizophrenia.
Fray, who appeared in court on Wednesday, is now fit to plead the charges levelled against him in the St James Gun Court and the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court after several sessions and treatment with medication to alleviate a psychotic disorder. He was assessed and treated by government psychiatrist Dr Kevin Golbourne.
Fray is being held on nine counts of illegal possession of a firearm, shooting with intent and robbery with aggravation, assault at common law and breaches of the Airports Act.
Stephen Fray made the news locally and internationally when he allegedly attempted to hijack a CanJet chartered aircraft at the Sangster International Airport on Sunday, April 19. The plane, which had more than 160 passengers aboard, was scheduled to depart for Cuba, en route to Halifax in Canada.
Fray’s attorney said in court that based on the interviews done with Dr Golbourne, “the alleged offences were influenced by delusions (false beliefs that have no factual basis), involving persons after him, a bug watching him, chip motivating him or programming him to take up the gun, and persons helping him on to the plane”.
Dr Golbourne’s testament further states that the delusions had not changed significantly in spite of treatment and may or may not subside with time and treatment.
