A picture taken at the time of the incident on July 14. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Judge orders mental health assessment for man with knife at grocery store

Jul 20, 2022 | 3:13 PM

A man who held a knife to his throat while shoppers in a busy Prince albert grocery store stood nearby was hearing voices according to discussion heard in court Wednesday morning.

Harry Montgrand, 34, is facing a single charge of possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public. He appeared by phone for his latest hearing.

The incident itself happened last week at Superstore. The information the police received from the initial weapons complaint indicated a male was inside a business brandishing a large knife and threatening staff. The suspect dropped the knife when officers used a conductive energy device.

Montgrand’s lawyer, Deborah Hopkins, indicated he was on the verge of psychosis but she did not know what may have caused it. Prior to holding the knife to his throat, Montgrand cut his finger which resulted in a puddle of blood near the store’s customer service desk.

Hopkins’ request for a mental health assessment was ultimately agreed to by the judge. This will help determine whether Montgrand is capable of understanding the court process.

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Hopkins also noted one previous attempt by Homeward Bound to reach out to police for a mental health warrant. She said nothing happened from the request.

Crown prosecutor, John Morrall, agreed the assessment will be definitely useful.

The case is back in court on July 26.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell