17 Aug 2004

Norfolk Island court to hear mental assessment of murder accused

6:35 am on 17 August 2004

The son of Norfolk Island's deputy chief minister is due to face the territory's Magistrate Court today to be charged with the murder of his father.

Ivens Buffett was shot dead as he worked in the island's administration building on July 19th.

His son, Leith, was charged with his murder and ordered to undergo psychiatric assessment.

Leith Buffett's solicitor, John Brown, has said the assessment would be discussed at today's hearing.

Buffett has already appeared twice in the island's Magistrates Court, where Chief Magistrate Ron Cahill remanded him in custody.

Mr Brown has said Buffett will not apply for bail.