Jail an option for man who attacked doctor with a knife

A MAN said he felt “desperate and unheard” when he held a knife to a doctor’s chest during a frightening incident at a Geelong medical clinic.

Martin Hancock, 55, was armed with two knives and envelopes addressed to police and the media when he committed the brazen attack at Kardinia Health in Belmont.

Geelong Magistrates Court heard Hancock’s anger was directed at his treating doctor, who was forced to scream for help in front of terrified onlookers.

Hancock, of Marshall, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to assault with a weapon and possessing a controlled weapon.

Prosecutor Danielle Guesdon told the court the incident took place after Hancock entered the clinic’s waiting room about 2.35pm on July 10, 2019.

The victim, Professor Gerard Gill, was waiting to treat an 83-year-old patient when Hancock suddenly walked between the pair and pulled a 30cm kitchen knife from his pocket.

The knife was held against the doctor’s chest, with the blade turned away from the victim, while Hancock calmly asked if they could go into an office to talk.

Ms Guesdon said Prof Gill was immediately concerned for his safety and grabbed Hancock’s wrist, before screaming: “He’s got a knife, get the police.”

Multiple witnesses leapt into action and restrained Hancock before police arrived.

A search of his backpack uncovered a second knife, cable ties fashioned into handcuffs, along with two envelopes with the words “police” and “press” scrawled on the front.

Inside were pieces of paper, including a letter from the victim regarding Hancock’s medical condition.

The court heard Hancock had been suffering abdominal pain and believed he required urgent surgery, which was at odds with Prof Gill’s opinion.

“He has become fixated on this,” defence lawyer Jessica Willard said. “He was feeling desperate and unheard.”

Prof Gill was not injured in the incident but told the court he did not feel as safe at the clinic as he once did.

Magistrate Simon Guthrie has not ruled out a jail term when he sentences Hancock next Wednesday.