From wikipedia.org
Alleged sexual assaulter Peter Braunstein appeared today in New York State Supreme Court for a preliminary hearing before Judge James Yates - the former journalist's first court appearance since his December 16, 2005 arrest after a national manhunt tracked the so-called "Fire Fiend" down in Memphis, Tennessee, where he stabbed himself repeatedly in the neck before being taken into custody.
Braunstein, 41, was transferred directly from Rikers Island to the courthouse for the hearing. He was unshaven and dressed in a t-shirt and cotton slacks, his graying hair cut close to his scalp. He appeared alert and attentive throughout the proceedings, despite being handcuffed and flanked by four armed court officers at all times. His father, a slim man in a gray pinstriped suit, sat quietly in attendance, surrounded by several supporters.
At the outset, Judge Yates chided defense attorney Robert Gottlieb for making statements and supplying evidentiary materials to the press, such as images of the defendant's brain scan and other details of his psychiatric report. The judge then ordered both sides to refrain from any further conversations with the media, including all comments on the case and disclosure of evidence. Assistant District Attorney Maxine Rosenthal then requested that Yates turn over records of Braunstein's uncontested divorce, which was granted ten years ago. Rosenthal argued that the divorce records showed no evidence that Braunstein was suffering from a psychiatric illness, and were thus relevant to the question of his mental state in 2005. Based on Rosenthal's subpoena, the judge turned the divorce records over to the D.A., though he questioned their relevance to the case.
Gottlieb also requested that post-attack photographs of the victim, as well as several items allegedly belonging to Braunstein including a paperback entitled "Disguise Techniques," be turned over to the defense. Yates subsequently ordered Rosenthal to turn the evidence over within twenty days, as per statutory guidelines. A trial date was set for November 20.
Braunstein is accused of breaking into a New York woman's apartment on October 31 dressed as a city firefighter after setting fire to her building in order to gain access. Authorities say the victim was overpowered, bound and sexually assaulted for up to twelve hours. Braunstein was captured on the University of Memphis campus following a six week chase that attracted national media coverage. In February, he pleaded not guilty to an indictment that included charges of arson, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, sexual abuse and assault related to the attack. He has since elected to present an insanity defense.
