Psychiatric report sought in massage indecency case
Sentencing has been delayed for a Chinese masseur convicted of indecencies, so that a psychiatric report can be obtained to decide how the case should be dealt with.
The health of 60-year-old Cunbin Zhang deteriorated rapidly during his remand in custody for sentence last year, after conviction at trial for indecently assaulting three women during massages in 2012.
A jury found him guilty on 14 charges at the end of a trial where he had appeared in good health.
Sentencing in July was delayed because he was seen to have his left arm shaking, walked with difficulty, and sat slumped sideways in the dock. He had difficulties coping in prison and could not eat Western food.
Investigations began to find out whether he had had a stroke, onset of dementia, or Parkinson’s disease.
The sentencing was delayed to today at the request of defence counsel Bridget Ayrey, and Zhang was immediately released from custody to stay with his family. He has to stay at his house all the time unless accompanied to medical appointments by his wife or daughter.
Again today the sentencing could not go ahead before Judge Stephen O’Driscoll, with Crown prosecutor Anselm Williams asking for a delay for a psychiatric report to be prepared under the Criminal Procedures (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act.
Judge O’Driscoll granted the adjournment to February 18, with the appointment with the psychiatrist arranged for mid-January. A Mandarin interpreter will be needed for the consultation.
Judge O’Driscoll said: “I hope that the defendant will be able to be seen and the report provided to the court by that date, setting out any opinion or recommendations under the legislation.”
He made it clear he wanted the three victims kept informed about the reasons for the delay and the new sentencing date.
Category: News
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