Pleaded insanity to indecently assaulting a woman
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SHELDON MALONEY, a former police officer who is said to be a talented footballer, was detained in safe custody yesterday (July 28) after it was revealed at the Basseterre High Court that he is mentally ill and needs treatment.
Maloney, who pleaded not guilty to indecently assaulting a woman in Cayon on July 31, 2009, pleaded insanity at his trial at the January Assizes.
Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Paulina Hendrickson said that during the trial, it was observed that Maloney may have had mental issues.
The DPP said that Maloney had agreed with her observation and he requested Dr. Sharon Halliday’s presence in court to ascertain his condition, to which the psychiatrist said he had certain issues.
The court had then ordered further psychiatric analysis be done.
Dr. Halliday stated in her report that Maloney was suffering from a mental health disorder as early as 1999.
She said that he was admitted 11 times to the psychiatric ward, and most of the times he was taken there by the police. She also said that he had escaped from the ward on several occasions.
Dr. Halliday said Maloney does not believe he is mental ill and that he has generally been cooperative and friendly.
She said that he has admitted to having hallucinations and claims to hear things from God in one ear and Satan from the other.
Maloney told the psychiatrist that in 1999 he had seen God at Conaree beach and described to her how God had appeared to him.
Dr. Halliday said that Maloney believes he is chosen by God. She noted that after suffering an injury and returning to play football, Maloney believes he have had increased playing powers and claims to have evidence that he is a prophet.
The report stated that in 1995 Maloney claimed that he prayed for the Labour Party to win the elections, and since then they have never lost.
He also prayed that St. Kitts would be spared from destructive hurricanes and for the youths to excel in their endeavours.
Dr. Halliday said Maloney believes that people are envious and jealous of him because he has been chosen by God.
She said that he has a history of marijuana use and denies ever using cocaine.
Dr. Halliday also read something in court that Maloney wrote about ‘ganja’, where he said “ganja is to make you wise and good for cooking…”
In terms of the incident for which he was before the court, Dr. Halliday said Maloney may have committed the crime but could not remember because on July 3 he was picked up by the police and taken to the hospital where he was given an injection.
The psychiatrist added that Maloney claimed to have suffered a memory loss from July 3 to July 31, during which period he heard that he was doing a lot of strange things including eating meat, which he does not eat on a regular basis.
She said that he felt the medication by injection slows him down and that he functions “okay” without it.
She however noted that on the positive side, Maloney likes to work and has always been employed or seeking employment.
Dr. Haliday said that Maloney indicated that one day he would be able to play football for St. Kitts again.
She said that he should be prohibited from marijuana use and alcohol and recommended that he gets treatment with follow-ups.
Dr. Halliday also said that since being detained for analysis, Maloney has been much better, more cooperative and stable.
The psychiatrist recommended counselling for him and indicated that she would have to see what his home environment is and also have meetings with his family to know what form of support they could give to him.
Dr. Halliday has promised to present an update to the court on his progress within three months.
