By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A MAN with an alleged “extreme tendency for violence” has been released on bail after a magistrate deemed the applicant’s mental health issues were better treated in the community.
The man faces charges over threatening police with a knife while he was ice-affected on 9 March.
He has also been charged with criminal damage and breaching his bail conditions on 14 May by attending and damaging his parents’ Hampton Park house in breach of an intervention order.
Informant Senior Constable Dean Mason, of Casey family violence police unit, told a court on 27 July that the man’s “extreme tendency for violence” had led to Frankston Hospital refusing to treat the man until police support arrived.
During the May incident, the man damaged a plate-glass window and eventually allowed his mother to leave the home unharmed.
Sen Const Mason described it as a “siege-like” scenario.
There seemed to be a “breakdown” in the man’s regular medication and treatment, which led to the recent offending, Sen Const Mason said.
He referred to the man’s long history of mental illness and violence, which included 12 family violence intervention orders since 1995 as well as weapon and assault charges.
The informant feared the man may relapse into using ice – a habit that began in the applicant’s teenage years.
The man’s lawyer said the applicant’s mother had not felt threatened during the “siege” but had stayed in the house to protect her son.
“She was worried how he would react to police,” the lawyer said.
The man had not “responded well” to a recent change of mental-health service, and needed appropriate treatment, the lawyer said.
Magistrate Barry Schultz was concerned that the man had been remanded in custody for two months.
“Looking at the charges before me … it’s unlikely he’ll get any further time in custody (when sentenced).”
He said it was a matter of getting the right supports and treatment for the man to live in the community.
“It’s one of those awful intersections between the law and the mental health system.
“This man should not be in custody.”
