Family of Stanley Broadwood, slain by grandson Austin Smith, says mental health system failed them and could have prevented tragedy

The son of a man fatally stabbed by his grandson has delivered a heartbreaking court statement, saying SA’s mental health system failed their family.

Almost two years ago, Chris Broadwood learned his parents, Stanley and Marie, had been attacked in their own home by someone they dearly loved.

Austin Smith – the couple’s grandson and Mr Broadwood’s nephew – lashed out with a knife, sending an injured Marie, 78, running to the neighbours for help.

Tragically Stanley, 81, died as a result of his injuries and Mr Smith, now 23, was charged with murder and attempted murder.

On Wednesday, Mr Broadwood watched from the public gallery as the Supreme Court heard Mr Smith was mentally incompetent at the time of the incident.

It also heard he remains so mentally ill that he cannot stand trial – meaning his lawyer had to concede, on his behalf, the stabbings occurred as prosecutors alleged.

Stanley Broadwood was fatally stabbed in June 2020. Picture: Supplied.

Outside court, Mr Broadwood said he and his family remained “devastated” at the loss of their beloved father.

“We are relieved that Austin is now receiving the treatment and care that he so badly needed,” he said.

“If he had just received the right support prior to this tragic event, Dad would still be alive.

“The truth is, this could have all been avoided … the mental health system failed our family.”

Mr Smith was arrested in June 2020 following the incident on Bond St, McLaren Vale, and has been held in a secure mental health facility ever since.

In February, the court heard two experts agreed Mr Smith was mentally incompetent at the time of the incident and remained so ill that he could not stand trial.

At that time, however, prosecutors said they were not yet prepared to concede Mr Smith was ill, and asked for further time to finalise their position.

Austin Smith, right, following his arrest. Picture: Nine News.

On Wednesday, prosecutor Alex Rathbone said no issue would be taken with the expert reports.

“We concede that Mr Smith is not fit to plead, and we concede that at the time of the offending he was not mentally competent,” she said.

Greg Mead SC, for Mr Smith, said his client admitted the objective elements of the offending – meaning he agreed the stabbings had occurred as alleged by prosecutors.

He asked he be allowed, on his client’s behalf, to plead not guilty by reason of mental incompetence due to Mr Smith’s ongoing illness.

“On his behalf, I say he was not mentally competent and should therefore be found not guilty of the charge,” he said.

Justice Kevin Nicholson remanded Mr Smith in custody for submissions next week, when he will impose a limiting term.

Because the charged offence was murder, and a limiting term is a period in care equal to the jail term an unaffected person would receive, Mr Smith’s term will be for life.