26 June 2009 – Adelaide, South Australia Seventy-six year-old Frank Harton has been ruled unfit to stand trial for the attempted murder of his 47-year-old son, Christopher Harton, who was described as “mentally disabled.” He was accused of shooting his son in the face at close range last February. According to the Independent Weekly:
Harton had feared he was dying at the time and was concerned that there would be no one left to care for his son after he was gone, the court was told.
After receiving several psychiatric reports and taking evidence earlier this week, the court yesterday concluded that Harton was not competent to stand trial over the incident and declared him not guilty by way of mental incompetence.
It must now decide whether to keep him in custody at a secure mental health facility or release him into the community under supervision.
Chris Harton recovered from his injuries.
