A psychiatric assessment of Abdulahi Sharif has been delayed due to a bed shortage at Alberta Hospital. (Edmonton Police Service )
A bed shortage at Alberta hospital has delayed the psychiatric assessment of the man accused of attacking an Edmonton police officer and hitting four pedestrians with a UHaul van during a police chase downtown.
Abdulahi Sharif appeared in court by CCTV Wednesday, hands clasped in front of him, nodding as he listened to the proceedings translated into Somali by an interpreter.
Court heard Sharif, 30, had not yet undergone a psychiatric assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial due to a “critical bed shortage” at Alberta Hospital. He’s expected to be assessed Thursday.
A second test will be done to determine if Sharif can be found criminally responsible for the incidents, which began the night of Sept. 30.
Judge James Wheatley agreed to put the case over to Jan. 12.
“Obviously it’s an issue,” said defence lawyer Karanpaul Aujla outside the courtroom. “But I’d rather have an assessment done properly.”