Alleged bed invader
called mentally ill

HILO >> A homeless man charged with attempted sexual assault should not stand trial because he suffers from mental illness and is unable to help with his case, a defense attorney argued.

Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara heard arguments last week on the competency of 25-year-old Michael Delorme, who is charged with two counts of attempted sexual assault and burglary.

Hara is expected to issue a written ruling later.

Delorme allegedly broke into two homes the night of April 7. At the first home, authorities said, he climbed into the bed of a Hilo woman and began stroking her body. He later climbed into the bed of a 10-year-old Wainaku girl and put his arms around her, authorities said. Both times, he fled after the alleged victims screamed.

Deputy Public Defender Melody Parker said Delorme would be incapable of making appropriate judgments necessary to help with his defense.

A psychiatrist testifying for the defense said Delorme is a marijuana abuser who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.

Dr. Samuel Paltin said Delorme "hears voices" but "more or less ignores them" when he is taking his medication.

Paltin said Delorme stopped taking his medication in January after being kicked out of a residential facility for using marijuana.

Delorme remembered the incidents but only provided vague explanations, Paltin said.

"I don't believe he understands why he went there," Paltin said, "except, in a certain way, he was simply seeking comfort and shelter."

Dr. Tom Cunningham, a psychologist who examined Delorme, said he suffers from hallucinations but would only be "mildly impaired" in his ability to understand the court proceedings against him.

Another psychologist, Dr. Walter Jaeckle, did not testify, but submitted a report concluding Delorme is fit to stand trial.

Deputy Prosecutor Shannon Kagawa asked Hara to declare Delorme fit for trial.