Bed shortage means no mental reviews done yet on accused Edmonton attacker
EDMONTON — A month-long delay in the case of a man accused of attempted murder in an attack on a police officer has turned the spotlight on an increase in court-ordered mental-health assessments.
Abdulahi Hasan Sharif appeared in provincial court Wednesday to face 11 charges related to the Sept. 30 attack outside a football game.
His case was delayed due to what was described by the Crown as a “critical” bed shortage at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
“Due to the bed shortage at the hospital where they conduct the forensic assessments, they weren’t able to accommodate Mr. Sharif to conduct the criminal responsibility assessment yet,” his lawyer, Karanpal Aujla, said outside court. “It is somewhat concerning, considering the circumstances.