Cancer fraudster sentencing delayed pending psych tests

The Calgary man who faked cancer to swindled cash at a fundraising event needs further psychiatric testing.

[The Accused] pleaded guilty in September to fraud at the first court appearance he was able to make after being hospitalized following a Calgary Remand Centre beating.

Provincial court Judge Terry Semenuk was to hear sentencing submissions on Tuesday by Crown prosecutor Mike Ewenson and defence lawyer Joel Chevrefils.

But Semenuk adjourned the hearing after receiving a letter from the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre seeking more time for a court assessment.

Chevrefils told court his client is willing to undergo further tests and has consented to staying further at the unit.

Chevrefils had asked for the mental testing to determine in part whether [The Accused] needs any counselling.

[The Accused] was hospitalized Sept. 16, suffering wounds including a ruptured spleen, concussion and broken nose.

At his first appearance Chevrefils said his client’s quick guilty plea illustrated how sorry he is for defrauding his victims, including some friends, by claiming to be suffering from cancer.

“He immediately wanted to take responsibility for what he had done,” Chevrefils said back in September.

“He feels terrible about it.”

His case returns to court on Dec. 14.

He remains in custody pending resolution of the case.