Nicolaos Malandris seeks bail over allegations he attempted to murder woman, 85, at Wingfield

A court has been asked to consider bail for a man, 88, accused of attempting to murder an 85-year-old woman as prison “is not where he should be”.

 

A man, 88, accused of trying to kill a woman, 85, has dementia and needs to be assessed for care – but cannot be, as his remand in custody cuts off his pension, a court has heard.

On Wednesday, Nicolaos Malandris was excused from attending the Adelaide Magistrates Court, where he has yet to enter a plea to a charge of attempted murder.

Vageli Dimou, for Mr Malandris, said he was pursuing a bail application despite his client’s absence, because that was in the man’s best interests.

Nicolaos Malandris was excused from attending the Adelaide Magistrates Court, where he has yet to enter a plea to a charge of attempted murder.

“Mr Malandris was diagnosed with dementia prior to these allegations coming to court, and he’s now in a secure mental health area,” he said.

“The difficulty in attempting to secure a facility for him is that, due to his custody status, his pension is cut off and he cannot engage with aged care services.

“We ask the court order a bail inquiry report … he’s an 88-year-old man who’s very unwell, and a prison facility is not where he should be.”

Mr Malandris, from Wingfield, is also charged with one aggravated count of causing serious harm with intent.

He was arrested after SA Police were called to a home at Fourth St, Wingfield, last month over reports of a domestic disturbance.

Mr Malandris had no injuries but a woman inside the home was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

At the time, police said the matter was not a random incident and all parties were known to one another.

On Wednesday, a police prosecutor said she did not object to a bail inquiry report being ordered, but continued to oppose Mr Malandris’ release under any circumstances.

“This is a very strong prosecution case and a serious matter,” she said.

“We would strongly oppose Mr Malandris being released to anywhere less secure than where he is now.”

Magistrate Brian Nitschke agreed that was a significant concern.

“His custody status will remain unless and until this court is assured this man represents no threat or danger to any members of the public – be it nurses, patients or anyone else,” he said.

He ordered the report and remanded Mr Malandris in custody until next month.

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