A man charged in connection with a New Bedford church assault has been ordered to undergo mental health evaluations following a courtroom outburst.

Jose Nascimento, 59, is accused of punching and striking a priest with a beer can at Mount Carmel Church earlier this week. His initial arraignment was postponed after he began shouting profanities and had to be escorted out of court Tuesday.

On Wednesday, a judge ordered Nascimento to be further examined at Bridgewater State Hospital for a 20-day period. According to an expert opinion, he lacked behavioral control and an understanding of the events that were happening at the time.

Nascimento is expected back to appear in court again later this month.

See more at wpri.com.