Robber Claiming To Be Deaf and Dumb Was Faking It To Avoid Trial

The New York Daily News:

An accused robber who claims he can't speak or hear lost a bid to represent himself at trial after a psychologist accused him of fakery.

Wendy Gabriel, who communicates with judges and prosecutors through handwritten notes, has apparently feigned the disability since his May 2008 arrest, psychologist Barry Winkler says.

"There is no dysfunction," said Winkler. "He's not speaking because he doesn't want to."

Prosecutors said Gabriel used the ploy to secure 64 adjournments and to delay trial for nearly three years.

"He is attempting to put one over on this court and this system," said prosecutor Stephanie Catros. "It has to stop."