KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man accused of brutally assaulting his female cousin was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation on Tuesday, after raising concerns in court with his bizarre and unsolicited comments.

Robert Forbes appeared before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell in connection with charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and threatening a Crown witness. The allegations stem from an incident where Forbes reportedly ambushed the complainant as she returned home from work.

According to prosecutors, the woman was approaching her gate when Forbes attacked her, landing several blows. She fell to the ground, but the accused allegedly continued to beat her, striking her in the head and body while threatening to kill her.

The court heard that Forbes was later arrested and charged, but when asked to respond to the allegations, he gave a puzzling and expletive-laced response.

“No, me no really know what them a talk ’bout, ’cause the time when them a say me f*** off me bredda inna jailhouse, a sleep me did a sleep inna me cell,” Forbes told the judge.

A visibly startled Judge Burrell paused before asking, “Mr Forbes, you have any special doctor?”

Forbes replied, “No Judge, me no have no special doctor, me couldn’t afford a special doctor.”

His statements prompted the judge to order a psychiatric assessment to determine whether he is fit to stand trial. A legal aid attorney was also requested on his behalf.

Forbes was remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on June 24, 2025.

— Vanassa McKenzie