The trial judge in California who is hearing the case against the alleged killer known as the Unabomber has ordered him to undergo a week of psychiatric tests.

The aim is to determine whether the defendant, Theodore Kaczynski, is mentally competent to act as his own lawyer.

Kaczynski's Montana cabin

Mr Kaczynski, a brilliant mathematician who abandoned university life to be a recluse in Montana, is charged with waging an 18-year campaign of bombing against industrial and academic targets. He is accused of killing three people and injuring many more.

Earlier this week, police said there was evidence he may have tried to kill himself in his cell.

Defence lawyers have urged Mr Kaczynski to plead insanity.

Dr Sally Johnson, recommended by the federal Bureau of Prisons, will have a week to examine Kaczynski and file a report.

Dr Johnson, chief of psychiatric services at the Butner Federal Correctional Institution in North Carolina, also evaluated John Hinckley Jr, who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Hinckley, who severely wounded Mr Reagan and severly wounded his press secretary, Jim Brady, was found innocent by reason of insanity.

Both sides will examine the report on January 20. The competency hearing is set for January 22.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©