Bourke Street Mall Killer May Not Stand Trial

Mental state questioned


Article heading image for Bourke Street Mall Killer May Not Stand Trial

(Image: Supplied)

The mental state of accused Bourke Street killer driver Dimitrious Gargasoulas could affect whether or not he stands trial for the murder of six people.

Gargasoulas is facing six counts of homicide and 29 charges of attempted murder over the Bourke St rampage on January 20.

"His state of mind and fitness to stand trial are real issues," defence barrister Theo Alexander told the Victorian Supreme Court on Thursday.

"We have made approaches to appropriately qualified experts and are arranging assessments."

Gargasoulas' case is still before the Magistrates' Court but came before Justice Lex Lasry on Thursday for an update on its progress.

Director of Public Prosecutions John Champion SC said mental impairment has been raised in the Magistrates' Court for separate charges against Gargasoulas that are unrelated to the Bourke St deaths.

"There is the possibility of mental impairment being run in that court," Mr Champion said.

"If that is raised in the homicide cases, then the sooner the court is involved, the better."

Justice Lasry said he was concerned Gargasoulas' case would not reach trial until 2019 if a pre-trial committal hearing was scheduled for early to mid 2018.

"From the court's point of view and the public's point of view, that would be unacceptable," he said.

"The next thing you know 2018 is gone and the matter is still languishing in the list."

Gargasoulas was not required to appear at Thursday's mention.

-AAP

15 June 2017




Listen Live!

Up Next