STOCKTON, Calif. — A San Joaquin County Superior Court judge Monday ordered an accused man to appear in person for his preliminary hearing despite his public defender’s request that he appear “on bridge” because of health conditions that make transportation difficult and painful. The accused appeared before the court in custody alongside his two co-defendants, facing a felony murder charge. He stated that the accused suffers from diabetes and other health conditions that make travel from San Quentin to court painful. Due to his health, Mootz asked that the accused appear “on bridge,” meaning he would appear virtually rather than be physically present in the courtroom. Ultimately, Jose ruled that the accused could appear “on bridge” for the pre-preliminary hearing but must be present in court for the preliminary hearing.