Investigation into mental state of Jaydn Stimson, who allegedly shot dead police officer Jason Doig at Senior

The man who allegedly shot two police officers, killing one, will undergo an investigation into his mental competence, a court has heard.

The man who allegedly shot dead a serving SA police officer during a midnight incident in the state’s South-East has officially pleaded not guilty.

Jaydn Stimson, 26, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, by video link from James Nash House, on Thursday where he pleaded not guilty to the murder of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig.

Mr Stimson also pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Sergeant Michael Hutchinson.

Andrew Graham, for Mr Stimson, said an investigation is ongoing into his client’s mental competence at the time of the alleged shooting.

In April, Mr Stimson admitted to the elements of the charge with his lawyer, Andrew Graham, telling the court they would be exploring a mental health defence.

Mr Graham also told the court that his client had been diagnosed with a psychotic illness and asked Magistrate Brian Nitschke to formalise his client’s order to remain in James Nash House under section 269x of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act.

Jaydn Stimson. Picture: Facebook

Jason Christopher Doig. Picture: Supplied

The Act states that someone detained under this order must continue to be confined at the centre for the duration of their “inpatient treatment order” and remain there as if they had been remanded in custody.

Mr Stimson was charged with the murder of Mr Doig after a late-night shootout at Senior, in SA’s South-East in November last year, that also injured Sergeant Michael Hutchinson.

Magistrate John Wells ordered Mr Stimson be remanded under section 269x of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act while his lawyer explores whether mental health played a part in the alleged offending.

Outside court, Mr Graham addressed the media saying there was an ongoing investigation into Mr Stimson’s mental competence.

“There’s an investigation into his mental competence going on at the moment,” he said.

“That investigation needs to happen in the Supreme Court so he’s pleaded not guilty today.

“That will take place in due course.”

When asked about his client’s condition, Mr Graham said Mr Stimson had been diagnosed with a psychotic illness.

“He has a psychotic illness … we’re still waiting on a final report from a psychiatrist (whether he was mentally incompetent at the time), but it is likely that will be the case.”

Mr Stimson will next appear in the Supreme Court in September.