Yellowknife (Oct 29/03) - A Yellowknife man was ordered to undergo psychological testing after he failed in a bizarre attempt to represent himself in territorial court last Wednesday.

During his competency hearing, the man, who is facing nine charges from assault to driving while impaired, went on at length about his moosehide jacket, peace pipes and a breakfast he ate 12 years ago.

"He may have some kind of delusional disorder," said Judge Brian Bruser, who ordered the man to undergo an examination at the Alberta Hospital.

"He persisted in wanting to discuss events that happened 12 years ago."

The man, who was being held at the Yellowknife Correctional Centre, was originally scheduled to be in court for the opening day of his trial.

But crown attorney Shelley Tkatch made an application to conduct a competency hearing after reports from YCC employees detailed three weeks of strange behaviour.

During the hearing, YCC case management supervisor Paul Pearce said the man was prone to mood swings and suicidal behaviour.

"At one moment he is very reasonable, the next moment he becomes angry."

Pearce said the man threatened to kill himself by jumping off a urinal, drank from the toilet, complained a demon was inhabiting the YCC and carried on a conversation with a legal aid lawyer despite the fact the phone was disconnected.

The man was placed in isolation because staff worried he posed a danger to himself and others, said Pearce.

During cross examination, the man denied drinking from the toilet. He also discussed at length a breakfast he ate while at the YCC 12 years ago.

"Why couldn't I have a butcher knife to eat my (eggs) and steak," he asked.

The man was led into court wearing leg shackles and handcuffs. He was accompanied by three RCMP officers while two more watched intently from the gallery along with a sheriff.

"Is anybody on the street?" joked a lawyer in attendance.

Normally, only one RCMP officer will accompany a defendant who is being held in custody.

After the man took a seat in the prisoner's box Judge Bruser asked if he had a lawyer.

"Yes I do, James Brydon," he replied.

When Bruser explained the man had not retained Brydon, he replied: "Alright, I'll represent myself."

The man was successful in convincing Bruser to order his handcuffs removed, which led to some uneasy looks on the faces of law enforcement officers in the room.

"I'm not here to threaten anybody," he reassured Bruser. The man did not become violent, but several rambling diatribes convinced Bruser a psychological exam was necessary.

The man was scheduled to travel via police plane to the Alberta Hospital in Edmonton Thursday night.

He'll spend roughly a month at the facility and is due back in court Nov. 21.