It has proposed a bus service to operate between the town centre and Coyte Farm if the plans are approved.

BBC: Artists impression of Coyte Farm

Coyte said Slevin did receive a brief competency hearing a year into his imprisonment, but the case against the man never proceeded.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"Stephen is optimistic in his ongoing battle with cancer and is doing as well as can be expected while undergoing some pretty difficult treatments, " Coyte wrote.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"The families and friends of the people who have been subjected to this barbaric treatment know what we are talking about, " Coyte wrote in an e-mail.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Jailers separated Slevin from other inmates because of his history of mental illness, according to the lawsuit filed by Albuquerque civil rights attorney Matthew Coyte in December 2008.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS