A criminal law firm needed to ensure that a defendant was fit to plead so they asked us to help. We identified a Psychiatrist Expert Witness who could evaluate whether the defendant had the mental capacity to understand the charges, engage with the trial process, and provide meaningful assistance to their legal team. Without such assessments, the fairness of proceedings could have be severely compromised.
The defendant faced charges for a serious offense but had a long history of untreated bipolar disorder. Initially, the court proceedings were set to move forward without any specialized mental health evaluation. However, after her behaviour in preliminary hearings raised concerns about her comprehension and coherence, a psychiatric assessment was ordered.

The results revealed that the defendant was experiencing acute manic and psychotic symptoms, impairing her ability to understand the proceedings or communicate effectively with her defence solicitor. This assessment was crucial; without it, the defendant could have been subjected to a trial she couldn’t meaningfully engage in, potentially leading to a wrongful conviction or unfair sentencing.

As a result, the court deemed her unfit to plead, opting for treatment under the Mental Health Act instead of proceeding with a trial that would have compromised her rights. This decision underscored the importance of psychiatric assessments not just as a legal formality, but as an essential safeguard for justice. Such evaluations ensure that defendants are only tried when they can participate adequately, balancing legal process with compassion and fairness.