Garrido Lawyer Asks To Delay Competency Hearing

PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP) -- The attorney for the Northern California man charged with kidnapping Jaycee Dugard is asking to have her client's mental competency hearing postponed.

El Dorado County Deputy Public Defender Susan Gellman said in legal papers made public Friday that she needs more time to prepare for the proceedings.

The hearing in which a jury will be asked to determine if Phillip Garrido is fit to stand trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 28.

Gellman says she wants it delayed "for a reasonable time" so she can review a psychiatric evaluation that has not yet been completed. She also wants to inspect evidence from prosecutors and to gather information that would help her decide whether to seek a change of venue.

The Superior Court judge presiding over the case will consider Gellman's request on Feb. 3.