CORVALLIS – The man accused of killing Brooke Wilberger must wear a stun belt during court appearances in Benton County.

Judge Locke Williams said this week that the electronic device does not violate Joel Courtney’s due process rights. The belt can deliver an incapacitating jolt of electricity, but wouldn’t be visible to others.

Prosecutor Karen Kemper argued the device is necessary because Courtney poses a danger to those in the courtroom. Kemper noted that Courtney once displayed disruptive behavior in a New Mexico courtroom and is accused of throwing a fax machine at a jail psychiatrist last month.

Courtney is awaiting trial on charges he raped and killed the 19-year-old Wilberger in 2004.

– Associated?Press