By Canadian Press

Assessment of former Afghanistan hostage Joshua Boyle to take two more weeks

Mar 26, 2018 | 10:30 AM

OTTAWA — Another two weeks are needed to complete a psychiatric assessment of former Afghanistan hostage Joshua Boyle, who faces several assault charges.

Boyle dialled in via telephone to a brief court hearing today, and his next appearance is slated for April 9 via video conference.

Lawrence Greenspon, a lawyer for Boyle, told the court in late January that an initial evaluation found his client fit to stand trial, but added that he would benefit from a fuller assessment at a mental health centre in Brockville, Ont.

Boyle was arrested by Ottawa police in December and charged with various offences including assault, sexual assault, unlawful confinement and causing someone to take a noxious substance.

The charges against the 34-year-old relate to two alleged victims, but a court order prohibits the publication of any details that might identify them or any witnesses.

Raiders win 5-3

Defensive scoring leads Raiders over Wheat Kings

2h ago

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

17h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

23h ago

Boyle and his American wife, Caitlan Coleman, were taken hostage in 2012 by a Taliban-linked group while on a backpacking trip in Afghanistan. The couple — along with the three children they had during their five years in captivity — were freed by Pakistani forces last October.

None of the charges, which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred between Oct. 14 and Dec. 30, after Boyle returned to Canada from captivity, have been tested in court.

The family had been living in an Ottawa apartment for about a month when Boyle was arrested.

The Canadian Press