Defence counsel seek mental health treatment for Amber Rover, accused of stabbing classmate at Renmark High School
A magistrate has refused to commit an acutely psychotic teenager accused of stabbing a classmate into a secure mental health care facility without first calling bureaucrats “as a courtesy”.
A magistrate has refused to commit an acutely psychotic teenager accused of stabbing a classmate into a secure mental health care facility without first calling bureaucrats “as a courtesy”.
Amber Brea Rover, 18, was due to face the Adelaide Magistrates Court at 12.30 on Wednesday.
She has yet to plead to one aggravated count of causing serious harm to another person.
It is alleged she stabbed a fellow Renmark High School student, 17, in July during a “dispute” between the pair who, police have alleged, were friends.
However, Rover’s case was not called on until almost 2pm as the court sat through its lunch break in an attempt to clear its caseload.
Defence counsel asked the court order a report that would see their client – who has been hospitalised since the alleged incident – given secure treatment.
Magistrate Jayanthi McGrath, however, refused.
“Ordinarily, the Forensic Mental Health Service doesn’t want us to make those orders without there being one of their administrative representatives in court,” she said.
“That is for them to first confirm they have a bed and that it’s an appropriate determination (to remand someone in care).”
“There have been clear instructions to us not to make these orders without giving them some notice.”
“I’m going to hold the matter and I will make the inquiry myself … I feel it’s a courtesy.”
The court has previously heard no motive has yet been established for Rover’s charged act, prior to which she allegedly concealed a knife inside her sleeve.
Drug abuse has been ruled out, as has any culture of bullying at the school.
It is further alleged a teacher intervened and confronted Rover, who was then detained inside the school, which had been locked down as per safety protocols.
The injured student was flown to Adelaide for treatment, while Rover was also hospitalised and faced her first court appearance by telephone link.
On Wednesday, counsel for Rover said Ms McGrath’s hesitation was unnecessary. They described their client as “an acute patient” of James Nash house, whose hospitalisation there needed to be formalised as part of the court process.
Doing so would then allow experts to begin assessing Rover’s mental state and whether or not she is fit to face trial for her alleged crime.
Ms McGrath would not be swayed, however, and adjourned the case until 2.30pm so she could call the Forensic Mental Health Service.
She then adjourned it a second time, saying a Service representative would attend court to answer her inquiry.
Around 3pm, Ms McGrath called the matter on for a third time saying she had been informed James Nash House had no available beds.
Counsel for Rover reiterated their client was already a patient there, and already occupied a bed.
They said they had spoken with the Service during the adjournments and confirmed there was no reason for the court to decline to make the order.
Ms McGrath then made the order, remanding Rover to the facility to face court again next month.
“I’m sorry that took longer than you planned, counsel, but I was pleased to get the confirmation from the Forensic Mental Health Service,” she said.