Alleged Glen Osmond siege-accused Todd Johnson in ‘psychotic episode’ before arrest, court hears

The man charged after a six-hour standoff with police last week has told a court he was suffering a “psychotic episode” at the time of the alleged offending.

The man charged after a six-hour standoff with STAR Group officers at a Glen Osmond home on Friday night says he was in the middle of a psychotic episode when he was arrested, a court has heard.

On Monday afternoon, Todd Johnson, 47 of Glen Osmond, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via telephone from the Royal Adelaide Hospital – where he has been since his arrest.

Through his lawyer Casey Isaacs, Mr Johnson asked the court for a suppression order prohibiting the publication of his identity.

Mr Isaacs said to permit publication of his client’s name and image would cause undue hardship to Mr Johnson’s family.

Police at the scene in the aftermath of the siege. Picture: Shashi Baltutis

“Your Honour, the allegations are quite serious, and he was experiencing a significant psychotic episode,” Mr Isaacs said.

“There is a very real issue regarding fitness.”

Mr Isaacs also said his client was “well known in the area”.

Magistrate Simon Smart, however, said there wasn’t enough reason to grant the secrecy order.

“Unfortunately, lots of young people have parents who are charged with offences,” Mr Smart said.

“So what’s the undue hardship?”

Mr Johnson has been charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass, aggravated assault, threatening to kill or endanger life and damaging property.

Police were called to a house in Upper Sturt on Friday after a man reported that another man known to him had broken into his house, threatened him and damaged electronics before fleeing the scene.

No one was injured in the confrontation.

Following further investigation, police descended on a house in Elinor Tce at Glen Osmond about 2pm.

When officers approached the door, the man refused to come outside and locked the doors.

Police vans and detectives set up on Bagot St while the armed siege was unfolding. Picture: Shashi Baltutis

Amid fears the man had weapons, heavily armed STAR-Group officers and negotiators were called-in to help end the siege.

Police vans and detectives set up on Bagot St with negotiators trying to peacefully end the stand-off.

The man was arrested after 8pm when STAR Group officers gained entry to the house through the garage, tasered the 47-year-old Glen Osmond man and arrested him.

Prosecutors, on Monday, asked the court for an 8 week adjournment before a charge determination date.

Mr Johnson did not apply for bail, and remains in hospital.

He will return to court in November.