Psychiatrist unable to conduct assessment due to Jimmy Melvin's many relocations

Notorious Halifax crime figure Jimmy Melvin Jr. was bounced through seven maximum security prisons in western Canada in the last six months, his lawyer said Friday, making it impossible for a psychiatrist hired by his defence team to conduct an assessment on him.

Melvin, 37, and one of his lawyers, Pat Atherton, were in Nova Scotia Supreme Courtto update his status in preparation for a dangerous offender hearing, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 23 and run for three weeks.

Melvin was convicted in October 2017 on charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The Crown served notice it wants to try to have him declared a dangerous offender and locked up indefinitely. A forensic psychiatrist hired by the Crown has already assessed Melvin.

The defence wants their own assessment done. They've lined up a forensic psychiatrist, but Atherton told Justice Peter Rosinski the doctor has been unable to find Melvin. Atherton said when they call the institutions, they will not confirm whether Melvin is being held there.

Rosinskiagreed to recommend that Melvin be remanded to a prison or jail in Nova Scotia to make it easier to facilitate a meeting with the psychiatrist.

'Where are my family?'

The defence lawyer also questioned whether an assessment could be ready in time for the scheduled hearing.

Crown prosecutor Rick Woodburn told the judge that the Crown would oppose any postponement.

Melvin, who was transported to the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in order to attend court on Friday,kept up a steady patter with lawyers while he waited for the judge to enter the courtroom.

"I really don't know if I'm coming or going," he said at one point.

"Where are my family?"he said, as he looked at the empty gallery in the courtroom. "Are they all dead?"

Melvin asked his lawyer to bring him books, complaining he hasn't had much to do in prison while awaiting sentence.

Melvin was convicted for an attempt on Terry Marriott Jr.'s life in December2008. Marriott survived that attempt but was murdered in February2009. Melvin was charged with first-degree murder in that case but was acquitted at a jury trial in 2017.