Mental test for accused attacker
LAWYERS for a motorist accused of mowing down pedestrians in Melbourne’s CBD days before Christmas say they’ll explore his mental state and fitness to be tried.
Saeed Noori, an Afghan refugee and Australian citizen with a history of drug and mental health problems, appeared in a Melbourne court behind security glass yesterday.
The 32-year-old is charged with 18 counts of attempted murder and one of conduct endangering life. Seated between two prison guards, Mr Noori’s eyes were downcast for most of the hearing.
“It’s alleged the accused deliberately drove a motor vehicle into pedestrians crossing the road at the intersection of Flinders St and Elizabeth St in the Melbourne CBD, with the intention of killing or causing really serious injury to as many people as possible,” read a police summary, tendered in court. Twenty people were hospitalised, including the alleged driver and the off-duty police officer who arrested him, after a white SUV ploughed through pedestrians on the afternoon of December 21.
Eight people remain in hospital, two of them critical.
Mr Noori’s lawyer, Tass Antos, said his mental impairment and fitness to plead would be explored as part of the defence case.
Prosecutors asked for longer than usual to serve a brief of evidence on the defence, which will include CCTV footage.
Magistrate John Hardy noted Mr Noori was withdrawing from drug addiction, that he may have psychiatric and other illnesses and was taking medication for mental health issues.
“It’s important that you continue to take your medications,” Mr Hardy said. He also ordered Mr Noori be seen by Forensicare as soon as possible.
“They can only see you if you let them,” he said.
“That’s your choice, but I ask you to do that. Do you understand that?” Mr Noori replied quietly: “Yes, your honour”.
According to a police summary, a motive for the accused’s actions remains under investigation and further charges are being considered.
Mr Noori was remanded in custody until his committal mention on May 30. He made no application for bail.