The court-appointed lawyer advising Weizhen Tang has asked an Ontario judge to order a psychological assessment of the convicted Toronto businessman.
Peter Boushy, a Hamilton defence lawyer, asked Justice Alfred O?Marra of the Ontario Superior Court to grant the order during the sentencing hearing for Tang, who has been found guilty of one count of fraud over $5,000.
Bushy noted Tang?s tendency to rant in the courtroom, his lack of remorse, and his habit of sending long open letters to the media and authorities, suggesting he is the victim of a conspiracy. At times, Tang has compared himself to the British journalist who was raped in Tahir Square.
?In light of his odd behaviour in this court...I think before Your Honour fashions a sentence, justice would be better served to find out if there are any underlying mental health issues,? Boushy said.
Crown prosecutor Robert Gattrell opposed the request, arguing that such an assessment would not assist in sentencing.
?Just because somebody may behave in an odd fashion doesn?t suggest they have a mental health disorder that is relevant to the sentencing process,? Gattrell told the court.
Tang began to deliver a sentencing address to the court on Wednesday. He began by thanking Mr. Huang, the man who bailed him out of jail after his conviction last October. He then described his faith in God, and expressed anger and frustration with the police, Ontario Securities Commission, and the justice system.
Justice O?Marra stopped Tang, telling the convicted businessman his speech was inappropriate.
Tang bills himself as the ?Chinese Warren Buffett.?
The court heard during the trial that Tang collected about $52 million from more than 200 investors through his company, the Overseas Chinese Fund Limited Partnership.
About $19 million was lost in the markets and $2.8 million was funneled into personal accounts belonging to Tang, his businesses and his family. The rest was returned to investors.
Prosecutors are seeking a jail sentence of eight to 10 years, a fine of $2.8 million and a restitution order.
Tang does not have a lawyer. Boushy is an Amicus, or ?friend of the court,? who advises him on legal and procedural matters.
Tang promised guaranteed returns of 1 per cent a week to investors, who hailed primarily from Toronto?s Chinese community.
The jury sided with the Crown?s argument that Tang provided investors with false records of their returns and commingled investor funds, using money from new investors to pay previous ones.
Justice O'Marra is expected to give his decision on the request for a psychological exam for Tang on Jan. 18.
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