Ex-vet on hunger strike sectioned

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8190131.stm

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A former vet on hunger strike in prison while on firearms charges has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Maurice Kirk, 64, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court, where a judge heard reports from a psychiatrist.

He was ordered to be sectioned for 28 days at a clinic to enable further assessment to be carried out.

Mr Kirk, of Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, had been protesting at being refused permission to appear in court, a decision which has now been reversed.

He was told by Judge Christopher Llewellyn Jones QC: "There is reason to suspect you may be suffering from a mental disorder."

Mr Kirk, who chose to defend himself, spoke about his claim that he is being persecuted by the legal system.

He has been taking only sips of water during his hunger strike at Cardiff Prison.

The case concerns an allegation that he bought a replica World War One bi-plane which came with a decommissioned and triggerless Lewis machine gun.

Kirk sold the gun a year ago, and in June South Wales Police arrested him for possession of a firearm and offering it for sale without proper authority.

An amateur pilot and former drinking friend of the late actor Oliver Reed, he was struck off the veterinary register seven years ago.

Mr Kirk was released on unconditional bail by Barry magistrates but the police successfully challenged the decision to free him.

He was arrested in June by South Wales Police and accused of possession of a firearm and offering it for sale without proper authority.

He had been released on unconditional bail by Barry magistrates, but police successfully challenged the decision to free him.