Luke Alexander MacDonnell, 22, of New Glasgow is accused of posting hateful messages online targeting Jews. He was arrested June 6 and charged with advocating and promoting genocide, publicly inciting hatred and wilfully promoting hatred. Photo by FacebookArticle contentA young New Glasgow man facing hate-crime charges will undergo an out-of-custody psychiatric assessment.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentJudge Del Atwood ordered the assessment Tuesday in Pictou provincial court at the request of defence lawyer Peter Thorning, who appeared by phone from Toronto on behalf of Luke Alexander MacDonnell, who was not present.Article contentArticle contentMacDonnell was arrested June 6 after New Glasgow Regional Police received a complaint that morning from B’nai Brith Canada that hate-related material threatening Jews had been posted online from a residence in the town.Article contentArticle contentThe 22-year-old was charged with advocating and promoting genocide, publicly inciting hatred and wilfully promoting hatred. He was in custody for three nights before he was released on a $12,500 bail order with his parents as sureties.Article contentThe defence wants an opinion from staff at the East Coast Forensic Hospital in Dartmouth on whether MacDonnell was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the alleged offences that would have rendered him not criminally responsible for his actions.Article contentThe basis for the defence application was not discussed during Tuesday’s hearing. Thorning apparently outlined the grounds for the request in a July 20 letter to the court.Article contentCrown attorney Bill Gorman said he was not opposing the defence motion. He said the hospital should be able to complete the report within 60 days.Article contentThe judge granted the application and scheduled the case to return to court Sept. 29.Article contentArticle contentMacDonnell’s June 9 bail order requires him to live with his parents in Pictou Landing and observe a 10 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew. During the curfew hours, he can only leave the residence to deal with medical emergencies or appointments or when in the “immediate and continuous presence” of at least one of his sureties.Article contentHe was ordered to surrender his passport, remain in Nova Scotia and check in with police by phone every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Article contentMacDonnell is prohibited from possessing any weapons and from “accessing or in any way using the internet.” The order goes on to say he cannot be on social media, engage in texting or have any electronic devices capable of connecting to the internet.Article contentThe only exception to the ban on electronic devices is when MacDonnell is participating in Zoom or Teams meetings with legal counsel or for medical appointments, as long as those sessions are arranged and supervised by one of his parents.Article contentMacDonnell must carry a copy of his release order whenever he leaves the home.Article content
Judge orders psychiatric assessment for New Glasgow man charged with hate crimes against Jews
