Neil Forsyth: Surry Hills man who sent threats to cops ‘not mentally sound’
A man who does “not dispute” sending violent threats to police has asked the court to be sent to a mental health facility, with a magistrate calling his behaviour “concerning”.
Central Sydney
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A man charged over violent threats he allegedly made to police has attempted to be sent to a mental health facility for treatment.
Police allege Neil Forsyth, 56, sent an officer “electronic correspondence” which contained alleged threats of violence towards a NSW police premises at Surry Hills on September 8.
Detectives from the Fixated Persons Investigation Unit soon commenced an investigation, and arrested the man at a Surry Hills unit about 9.40am on Wednesday.
Forsyth’s phone was seized to be forensically analysed.
He was charged with give false information to person/property in danger and use carriage service to menace, harass or offend.
He did not appear on screen at Central Local Court on Thursday from Surry Hills Police Station where he is in custody.
In court, his lawyer said “the facts are not disputed” but attempted to deal with the matter under the mental health provisions act.
This would allow Forsyth to be sent to a mental health facility for assessment.
If he was not found to be mentally ill, he would be brought back before the court.
Magistrate Robert Williams said “the facts do indicate behaviour which is concerning”.
“(There are) some concerns for Forsyth and his actions on September 8,” Magistrate Williams said.
But said due to the seriousness of the alleged incident, the matter should be adjourned for police to decide whether they will refer the matter to the Commonwealth Director, after which time it couldn’t be dealt with under the mental health provisions act.
Mr Forsyth was ordered to receive mental health treatment while in custody.
He will appear before Central Local Court until September 23.