WEST BATH – The 15-year-old brother of a Topsham boy shot in the face last month denied responsibility in District Court on Monday.

Jason Steinle, making his first court appearance for aggravated assault, reckless conduct and theft of a firearm, asked a judge for permission to visit his brother, 14-year-old Kyle Steinle.

Judge Joseph Field denied the request, saying he would need assurances that the encounter would not cause Kyle Steinle emotional or psychological harm.

Investigators have said Jason Steinle, a student at Mount Ararat School, shot his brother in the face at their home.

Jason Steinle used a .22-caliber handgun that had been stolen from an out-of-state relative, according to police. The incident took place after school.

In court Monday, he showed no emotion and held his head down. Steinle’s father stood beside him.

After the hearing, the judge returned the defendant to the Long Creek Youth Redevelopment Facility in South Portland, where he has been held since his arrest Feb. 20.

If convicted, Jason Steinle could serve time in the Long Creek facility until age 21.

Results of a psychological evaluation, which were expected to be part of Monday’s hearing, won’t be available until later this month.

The judge said both parties would review the results before Jason Steinle’s next court appearance, scheduled for April 8.

Assistant District Attorney Patricia Mador said she has seen only preliminary police reports and is still waiting to see Kyle Steinle’s medical reports.

Kyle Steinle was listed in fair condition Friday after undergoing reconstructive surgery at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

A trial date in the case has not been set.