A MENTAL health patient who allegedly stabbed a stranger in a supermarket car park is facing a fresh trial at Exeter Crown Court.
Kevin Gale was sent to Langdon Hospital at Dawlish in January 2019 under an indefinite Mental Health Act order after being found unfit to plead to the killing of Lee Turner.
New father Mr Turner, aged 39, died of stab wounds after allegedly being attacked with a Spiderman throwing knife outside the Tesco Express store in Barnstaple on August 3, 2018.
Mr Turner did not know his killer and never even saw his attacker.
His dying words were ‘Why me? What have I done?’
Gale, aged 54, formerly of Rackfield Road, Barnstaple, also known as Kit Kat, now faces a fresh trial on a charge of manslaughter after his mental health improved to the extent that doctors at Langdon consider he is fit enough to plead. He appeared by video link from the hospital for a short hearing in front of Judge Peter Johnson, who adjourned the case until October 27 to enable Gale to be legally represented.
Mr Sean Brunton, KC, said Gale will face a charge of manslaughter and that all the relevant papers and evidence from the earlier trial are being recovered.
The judge told Gale that he hoped solicitors will be able to visit him and possibly get legal aid approved in time for the next hearing.