Psychiatric Evaluation ordered and KC Smith agrees to take case of man accused of chopping up another

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, November 10, 2023 – A concerned Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang last month ordered a psychiatric evaluation of a man accused of a dangerous attack in Providenciales.  Being very concerned as to whether or not the accused SIOLUS ELLIOT III is being appropriately remanded at His Majesty’s Prison, the CJ did order a fitness to plea assessment for the defendant at the Sufficiency Hearing on October 6, 2023.

Once again, the suitability of the Corrections facility in Grand Turk was under scrutiny as her ladyship questioned whether or not Elliot should be kept elsewhere given his possible mental state at the time of the allegation on June 9th 2023.  Elliot was said to have “dangerously” chopped up another man.

To ascertain his behavior at the prison, the CJ questioned Kristoff Crooks, senior prison officer as to how Elliot is being treated, where he is being kept and if he causing any discomfort to the other inmates.

Mr. Crooks responded; explaining the accused is on one of the wings of the facility and is getting along well with the other inmates on that wing. The officer assured the prison does provide a counselor and mental health medical professionals as needed by inmates or employees.

Resting on that information, the CJ moved to adjourn the hearing to November.

During this proceeding, the accused was not represented and after hearing from the prosecutor, Ms. Alima A. Alexis on his possible mental state, Oliver Smith, KC informed the Hon. CJ that he would take on the case

The CJ was pleased to hear the commitment, thanked the KC and informed that the Registrar would contact him regarding legal aid. This was all confirmed and settled at the hearing on October 10th.

The matter was adjourned to a plea and directions hearing on November 10th, 2023.

Attorney Smith indicated that he may also decide to have his own assessment of his client’s mental state.