Woman charged over suicide pact in psychiatric hospital

A woman charged with helping her partner to kill himself has checked herself into a psychiatric hospital.

Karen Robson, 47, was today excused from appearing in the High Court at Auckland, where she is charged with assisting Glenn Bernard Paterson, 45, to commit suicide in September last year.

Her lawyer, David Niven, said she had voluntarily checked herself into a psychiatric facility in New Plymouth a week ago.

Justice Tim Brewer said he was not surprised to hear this, given the nature of the charge.

The court was previously told that Robson and Mr Paterson made an agreement to commit suicide together. She was unsuccessful but he died that day.

Speaking outside court, Mr Niven said he was not sure what had sparked his client's decision to go to the hospital.

Due to privacy regulations, staff there would not give him information about her condition, he said.

It was unclear whether the court case against her would proceed.

Justice Brewer said even though it was a voluntary admission to hospital, she would not be able to stay longer than necessary.

He adjourned the matter for three weeks but granted Mr Niven leave to apply for more time should it be required.

Robson's bail was continued.