The compilation of evidence against a man accused of the series of cat killings in Mosta was postponed today because a psychiatric assessment has not yet been completed.

Nicholas Grech was arraigned two weeks ago and accused of animal cruelty, offending the Catholic religion and unlawful entry into a number of chapels and crypt. He had pleaded not guilty and a court remanded him at Mt Carmel Hospital and requested a psychiatric assessment.

During this morning's sitting, Magistrate Carol Peralta said it was not right that the accused had been kept under arrest and the psychiatrist had not yet seen him. He asked what would happen if it resulted that the accused was not mentally ill.

Police Inspector Edmond Cuschieri said he had not been notified that the sitting was for today. The Magistrate asked him how he did not know when even the media had been reporting that the sitting was due to be continued today.

The inspector said he was not notified.

Magistrate Peralta ordered that psychiatrist George Debono should be notified. He insisted that the report had to be completed on time and it had to be be exhaustive, conclusive and include details of previous behaviour.

He also remarked that it would have been more ideal if one of the psychiatrists in past cases could have seen him, as he would have understood what happened and where the case was going.

The case is now due to continue on April 30.