A teenager convicted of murder had his sentencing delayed after refusing to consent to a psychological evaluation.

But Puisne Judge Stephen Hellman advised 16-year-old Rashaun Codrington to cooperate with social workers, before he could be sentenced for the murder of 18-year-old Malcolm Outerbridge.

At a February appearance in Supreme Court, Codrington admitted mortally stabbing Mr Outerbridge on the Railway Trail in Warwick on October 28, 2011.

Codrington was 15 at the time of the offence, and the court ordered a social inquiry report and psychological assessment.

Yesterday, defence lawyer Charles Richardson explained that his client “just wants to be sentenced”.

“He is no longer desirous of a social inquiry report and no longer consenting to take part,” Mr Richardson said, indicating that cooperation with a psychological evaluation had to be consensual.

Mr Justice Hellman said he appreciated that matters were “weighing heavily on his mind”.

However, he told Codrington that because of his youth and the seriousness of the offence: “I need all the help I can get in sentencing you. In my view, these reports will help me, and I would urge you and advise you to cooperate fully.”

Codrington’s only words were to acknowledge his parents as he was led from the courtroom. A sentencing date remains to be set.