The trial of the man accused of slashing the throat of a policeman at the entrance to Jamaica House in December 2009 could not proceed Wednesday in the Home Circuit Court because he is mentally ill.

Supreme Court judge Sarah Thompson-James issued a bench warrant for 26-year-old Andre Pratt but stayed it until October 16.

Pratt, who is charged with wounding with intent, was not at court.

Attorney-at-law Valerie Neita-Robertson, who is representing Pratt, told the court that he was mentally ill and could not attend court. She said Pratt was at her office and was going to be taken to the hospital in the afternoon for treatment.

She said he was in no condition to come to court and his girlfriend had to force him to come to her office.

Neita-Robertson said Pratt had a history of mental illness and the incident which led to the charge against him resulted from that illness.

The allegations are that on December 3, 2009, the accused walked up to the gate of Jamaica House and demanded to speak with the prime minister.

It is alleged that while he was being attended to, he suddenly pulled a knife and slashed the throat of a policeman at the gate. He was held and later charged.

Thompson-James ordered that a medical certificate for Pratt must be submitted to the court.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com