AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine inmate who blinded himself by gouging his own eyes has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a fellow patient at a psychiatric hospital.
The Kennebec Journal reports that 66-year-old James Staples is accused of punching a woman at an Augusta psychiatric hospital earlier this year.
He was then placed in a mental health unit at the Maine State Prison, where he blinded himself.
A judge indicated Wednesday she’s likely to find Staples not criminally responsible, but continued the hearing until July 10 so defense and prosecution could determine where to send him if he’s released from prison.
Staples had agreed to go to a facility in South Carolina, but it no longer has a bed available.
The judge said it’s “shameful” no Maine facility could be found to house Staples.
(Copyright (c) 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)