Psychiatric report to be prepared on teenager accused of carrying gun in college

A psychiatric report is to be prepared on a teenager who is accused of carrying a gun and a knife into a college sparking panic.

Sandijs Dreimanis is accused of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article on a school premises in connection with the incident at Crawley College.

During a preliminary hearing at Lewes Crown Court, Fiona Clegg, representing the 18-year-old, requested a psychiatric report be prepared before the case proceeds.

She said: “The defence position is concern about his fitness to plea.”

Judge Christine Laing QC adjourned the case for a further hearing on July 8 and remanded Dreimanis in custody until then.

She told the defendant: “You will have another hearing in your case on the 8th July, you will be in court that day.

“There may be another hearing before then, that may be simply so you can meet a psychiatrist so that your counsel can advance the case on your behalf.

“Until then you will remain in custody.”

A large police response was scrambled to the West Sussex college during the incident on April 26 including dozens of armed officers.