Psychiatric assessment rejected for man facing impaired charges

A Fredericton man's request for psychiatric assessment while facing charges related to impaired driving was rejected by a provincial court judge on Friday.

Robert Shannon, 40, was charged following a June 19 collision in Fredericton between an SUV and a motorcycle.

Judge Julian Dicksonruled there was insufficient evidence to warrrant a psychiatric assessment, noting mental health issues do not mean a person should not be held criminally responsible.

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The driver of the motorcycle, MikeBurden, had to have one of his legs amputated as a result of the collision. He also suffered broken ribs. He remains in hospital.

His wife, Kendra Burden, underwent surgeries to repair a crushed ankle.

"They're doing as well as can be expected with the amount of serious injuries that they incurred," said Michael Burden, the father of the injured motorcycle driver.

"Kendra is facing more surgery still. My son is facing months of rehab, but I think everyone is standing together supporting each other and we're all still supporting the family."

The daughter of the injured couple, Alyssa Howe, also attended Friday's court appearance in which Shannon waived his right to a bail hearing.

"It's been really difficult having both parents in the hospital but we're all standing together and we have a lot of support and a lot of family."

Three charges against Shannon were dropped on Friday. He now faces seven charges:

• Two counts of operating a motor vehicle while impaired, causing bodily harm.
• Two counts of operating a motor vehicle, causing bodily harm.
• Two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
• One count of breaching an undertaking.

Shannon is scheduled to next appear in court on August 18 to enter a plea.