Kym Bicknell appears in court after three people allegedly assaulted at Modbury Hospital

A man accused after three people were violently bashed outside an Adelaide hospital – leaving a 91-year-old in intensive care – was “mentally impaired” at the time, a court has heard.

A man charged after three people were brutally bashed outside Modbury Hospital – leaving an elderly pensioner in intensive care – was “mentally impaired” at the time of the attack, a court has heard.

Kym Bicknell, 36, from Ridgehaven, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link last Tuesday charged with various theft and assault charges. He is yet to enter any pleas.

He was initially charged with three counts of assault, three counts of theft, two counts of aggravated causing reckless harm and one count of dishonestly dealing with property without consent.

However, the prosecution last week withdrew two theft charges, one assault charge and one reckless harm charge.

Defence counsel for Mr Bicknell asked for the matter to be adjourned to allow for the return of a mental impairment inquiry report.

Modbury Hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

Mr Bicknell was arrested in May over the alleged assault after he had been receiving treatment for a skin infection.

During the incident outside the hospital, a 91-year-old man, a 62-year-old man, a nurse at the hospital and a security guard were allegedly assaulted. The two men’s wallets and nurse’s handbag were also allegedly stolen.

Following the alleged assault, 91-year-old Victor Watson, who was visiting his wife in hospital with his son-in-law when the pair were allegedly assaulted, called for further measures to protect visitors.

The hospital has since committed to extra security measures, including security escorts after dark and guaranteed parking for all staff working after hours and weekends.

Mr Watson welcomed the change but said security also needed to be closer to the doors to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.

Bicknell’s supporters were present in court last Tuesday, one calling out “love you, mate” at the conclusion of the hearing.

He will return to court in December.