Psychiatric problems suffered by the man charged with the Mosta animal killings manifested themselves in lack of good judgement and criminal intent, psychiatrists have concluded.

Peter Muscat, David Cassar and Ethel Felice agreed that Nicholas Grech, 37, suffered from a type of schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medication at the time of the alleged crimes.

The court had instructed the three psychiatrists to individually examine Mr Grech and then come up with a joint report on his state of mental health.

Originally, Dr Muscat, Dr Cassar and Joe Pisani had been nominated but it eventually resulted that Mr Pisani died years ago and nobody had informed the court.

Their conclusions backed that reached earlier this month by independent psychiatric expert George Debono who said the accused had suffered a relapse of mental health issues he had experienced in the past.

Dr Debono said that during the time when the incidents occurred, the accused was not taking prescribed medicine.

The accused had suffered a relapse of previous mental health issues

Mr Grech’s previous court proceedings were extinguished because of his mental state.

Dr Debono said the accused had suffered the same mental health issues as in the past. While Mr Grech could realise the difference between right and wrong, when it came to considering the consequences of his actions, he opted to go ahead anyway because it made him feel good.

Magistrate Carol Peralta is tomorrow expected to decide whether Mr Grech is mentally fit to face the court proceedings against him.

An engineer from Mosta, Mr Grech is pleading not guilty to animal cruelty and killing 11 animals, mostly cats, between October 2011 and February 3 this year.

The animals were found crucified on to wooden crosses in various parts of Mosta.

Handwritten notes were attached to some of the carcasses.

Mr Grech is also charged with violating a grave within the ossuary of the Mosta parish church, insulting the Catholic religion and entering the church and crypt of the chapel known as Ta’l-Isperanza illegally.

The case continues tomorrow.