Suspect in Saskatchewan, Alberta bank robberies to get mental assessment

A former Winnipeg broadcaster and journalism instructor accused of several bank robberies in Saskatchewan and Alberta is to undergo a psychiatric assessment.

A Queen's Bench justice in Medicine Hat, Alta., granted a defence application for the mental review.

Steve Vogelsang's legal team says the 55-year-old is not criminally responsible for his actions.

Lawyer Greg White is arguing that his client has bipolar disorder.

Vogelsang has not yet entered a plea to charges that were laid following holdups in Saskatoon, Regina and Medicine Hat between July and October of 2017. He isaccused of robbing two banks in Medicine Hat,three in Regina and one in Saskatoon.

He was granted bail on the Medicine Hat charges last yearbut has been in custody in Saskatchewan in connection to the charges in that province.

His case is to return to Medicine Hat Court of Queen's Bench on Jan. 18.

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