Man who allegedly gouged out a security guard's eyes receives third psychological evaluation

The court date for the man accused of beating and blinding a woman in an attack has been postponed.

News Center 7's John Bedell has the latest on News Center 7 at 5 p.m.

In November 2023, James Fickling pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

News Center 7 learned Thursday that he will be examined by a doctor for a third time.

>> PREVIOUS REPORTING: Decision made on the sanity of the man accused of gouging out a security guard's eye

The latest assessment was ordered just days before the trial was scheduled to begin.

As News Center 7 previously reported, Gloria Courtney was working as a security guard when she was beaten nearly to death and blinded in the October 2023 attack.

>> PREVIOUS REPORTING: Psychological examination ordered of man who allegedly gouged out a security guard's eye

According to prosecutors, Fickling entered the Premier Health building in downtown Dayton where Courtney worked, pulled the fire alarm and attacked her.

“I knew something was wrong when I first saw him,” Courtney said.

Courtney told News Center 7 that she also suffered a fractured skull, a severely damaged cheekbone, a cut on her head that required staples, and bruising all over her body.

She was helped by Dayton firefighters who responded to the alarm.

“I probably wouldn't be here today if that alarm hadn't gone off. So I thank God for the people who came,” Courtney said.

After Thursday's hearing, it will take at least another four months for a jury to hear the case.

We will continue to follow this story.