Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, ordered to undergo psychiatric assessment
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
A US judge has ordered a psychiatric assessment of Thomas Markle, charged with possessing child sexual abuse material, in Tampa, Florida. The report must be submitted by 20 November at the latest, according to Punch.
A US judge has ordered a psychiatric assessment of Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan Markle, who has been charged with possessing child sexual abuse material. Judge Lindsay Griffin, citing his 'state of health', his 'advanced age' and his 'lack of memory', has asked a psychiatrist to submit a report on his mental state by 20 November, according to the order issued on Friday and reported by Punch, which cites AFP.
The judge considers there to be 'reasonable cause to believe' that Mr Markle, 82, is not able to understand the proceedings or assist in his defence. He has also authorised his placement under house arrest with an electronic tag, according to CNN. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The Justice Department says he kept images of child sexual abuse in two storage units in Los Angeles that he had rented for almost twenty years. He was arrested by FBI agents in Florida, where he lives in a senior living residence, following its arrest by the FBI in Florida.
