A defence lawyer questioned if a homeless man was of sound mind at Magistrates’ Court.

Gladwin Gilbert, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to swearing at Police on February 10. He failed to show up to his court date and a warrant was issued for his arrest last week.

The 56-year-old appeared in court after being arrested by Police on Sunday.

Magistrate Shade Subair told the homeless man he had also failed to appear before the court for another matter. Previously he was charged with stealing a “mechanically propelled vehicle” and crashing it into a pillar while drunk on February 21, 2006.

Before the court session began Gilbert acted agitated and cursed at several officers in the court room. During his hearing he also repeatedly interrupted Ms Subair.

Duty Counsel Llewelyn Peniston said he was concerned about Gilbert standing trial for the matters because “it is clear to any objective observer that there are some serious psychological issues with this man”, to which Gilbert nodded his head in agreement.

Mr. Peniston recommended that the man be assessed.

Ms Subair remanded him in custody and said he would stand trial for using offensive words on March 7 while a date for his indictable matter would be set later. Freeman Smith of Spring Benny Road, Sandys, pleaded not guilty to stealing a cell phone on February 23 in Southampton. He was released on $1,000 bail and his trial will be on May 17.

Denton Parris pleaded not guilty to stealing a black wallet. The 35-year-old denied taking the wallet and $170 from Recardo Hill on February 4. He was released on $2,000 bail and will return to Magistrates’ Court on May 10 for trial.