Austin Smith to undergo mental health assessment for alleged McLaren Vale murder trial
A man charged with the murder of his grandfather at McLaren Vale will be assessed to determine whether he’s mentally fit to stand trial.
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The man who allegedly stabbed both his grandparents – resulting in his grandfather’s death – will be assessed to determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.
Austin Smith, 22, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday by video link, currently charged with the murder of 81-year-old Stanley Broadwood and accused of causing serious harm to his 78-year-old grandmother, Marie Broadwood.
Police were called to the couple’s McLaren Vale home, about 40 kilometres south of Adelaide on June 9 at 7pm.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Mr Broadwood’s body.
Police allege Smith stabbed Mrs Broadwood in the right shoulder but she managed to run to neighbours for help.
It is alleged Smith was living with them at the time.
In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Smith’s lawyer said Smith was recently admitted to a mental health house after being made a priority.
“Mr Smith is currently undergoing treatment at James Nash House,” the lawyer said.
The lawyer said after speaking to Smith’s psychiatrists, it was recommended to make an application to determine whether Smith is found mentally incompetent to commit an offence or mentally unfit to stand trial.
A police prosecutor did not oppose the application.
Chief Magistrate Mary-Louise Hribal adjourned the matters until February.
