US Aurora suspect `mentally ill`

DHAKA: The man accused of last month`s Colorado cinema massacre is mentally ill, defence lawyers have said.

The statement came during a court hearing on a motion by US media to weaken a gag order on the case against James Holmes.

His lawyers argued that they need more time and information from prosecutors to fully assess Mr Holmes` condition.

The 24-year-old former PhD student was present at the hearing and looked dazed, as in previous appearances.

"We cannot begin to assess the nature and the depth of Mr Holmes` mental illness until we receive full disclosure," defence lawyer Daniel King said.

He added that the prosecution has police reports, but not any photographs, recordings or expert testimony.

Prosecutors argued that police were still interviewing witnesses and finishing their reports.

"There is a large queue of information to be typed up," prosecutor Rich Orman said.

Twelve people died and 58 were wounded in the 20 July attack at a midnight screening of the new Batman film near Denver.

Source: BBC

BDST: 0935 HRS, AUG 10, 2012
SA