People v. Loving

Defendant appeals from a conviction of robbery in the second degree contending, (1) he was denied the right to represent himself at the trial; and (2) the court erred in sustaining an objection to expert opinion evidence he did not have an intent to steal at the time of the offense.

On March 24, 1966, defendant’s automobile was involved in a rear-end collision with an automobile driven by a man named Garcia. An argument ensued. Defendant assaulted Garcia, injuring him seriously; forcibly removed a watch from the latter’s wrist; placed it in his pocket; shortly thereafter fled from the scene;…