Kim Graham Wingo: Lawyer claims Geraldton man accused of sexual behaviour with a child unfit to plead

A lawyer has claimed a Geraldton man who allegedly engaged in sexual behaviour with a child is unfit to plead to the charges brought against him. Kim Graham Wingo appeared via video link alongside his lawyer in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday for legal advice. The 41-year-old-man is charged with procuring, encouraging or inciting a child under 13 years old to engage in sexual behaviour in South Murchison from the period of January 2020 to July 2021. His lawyer, George Giudice, told the court he had concerns about his client’s ability to plead. “He appears to be unwell; for example, he will start laughing when I speak to him,” Mr Giudice said. When asked if he understood the charge, Mr Wingo replied: “It’s all in your book”. Mr Giudice requested that a psychiatrist report be prepared, which will take 16 weeks. Police prosecutor Sen. Const. Beau Jones suggested that the matter be heard by the District Court, given the delay until November. “Commit it to the District Court and the report will come back about the same time,” Sen. Const. Jones said. However, Mr Giudice argued when there was uncertainty about that, the process should be halted. Magistrate Angus Hockton said the man would be released or given an order to remain in custody if found unfit to plead under the Mentally Impaired Accused Act. Mr Hockton agreed to adjourn the matter. Mr Wingo was remanded in custody and will be back in Geraldton Magistrates Court on July 25 for further legal advice.