Man accused of double murder in Inverness unfit to stand trial
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David Sinders is charged with killing Gary MacKay (35) and Dwayne MacLeay (28) at a house in the Highland capital on May 28 last year.
It is claimed the 24-year-old repeatedly stabbed the pair on the body with a knife.
In the incident, which left the city shaken, Sinders – originally from Latvia – also allegedly attempted to murder Kimberley Nicholson (27) with a blade at the same property on that date.
Sinders appeared via video link for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today.
He is currently in the State Hospital at Carstairs.
Prosecutor Alan Cameron told the court that three psychiatrists had completed reports having met with Sinders.
"They all conclude that Mr Sinders is unfit for trial," he said.
The court heard "the role mental health factors" may have had in the offences as well as Sinders's "ability to instruct" his lawyers had been investigated.
Sinders is said to suffer from schizophrenia though the hearing was told that he denied having a "mental disorder".
Lady Stacey today imposed a temporary compulsion order for Sinders to remain at Carstairs.
She told the court: "Having read the medical reports...I am satisfied that Mr Sinders is not fit for trial."
No further details of the crimes were revealed at the hearing.
This is expected to happen at an examination of facts hearing, to be held later.
But, Lady Stacey said, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, no date could be fixed for that at this time.
The case will call again in May when it is hoped the hearing will be set.
