Woman who interjected in hearing for William Holdback’s alleged murderer wanted Liam Slann remanded to psych ward, not jail
The identity of the woman who sparked an unusual legal exchange over one of William Holdback’s alleged murderers has been revealed – along with her role in court.
Police & Courts
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The person who spoke out when the first of William Holdback’s alleged murderers faced court was a mental health clinician suggesting he be remanded to psychiatric care instead of jail, it can be revealed.
The Courts Administration Authority has confirmed the woman who interjected in Liam Slann’s case was an SA Health Forensic Court Clinician.
It further confirmed she was not suggesting the court order an inquiry into the alleged murderer’s mental competence, but rather issue a “269X warrant”.
Under state law, such a warrant would permit the court to hold Liam Slann in a secure mental health facility, such as James Nash House, rather than the Adelaide Remand Centre.
A spokeswoman for the state’s chief magistrate, Judge Mary-Louise Hribal, said the clinician could only recommend such a course, not require that it happen.
“The role of the Forensic Court Clinician is to provide information and assistance to the court,” she said.
“After hearing from the parties, it is always a matter for the court as to what, if any, orders pursuant to (mental health) are to be made in relation to any particular defendant.”
Liam Slann, 26, has yet to plead to one count of murder over Mr Holdback’s death, at Welland, in the early hours of Wednesday, April 10.
A second man, Brian Frederick Slann, 51, of Elizabeth East, was arrested and charged with the same offence on Friday.
It is alleged that, prior to his death, Mr Holdback had attended several residences in the area asking for help identifying a man who he claimed had threatened him weeks earlier.
It is further alleged he subsequently met with two people in a BMW sedan and, after a brief argument, was chased and fatally stabbed in an incident captured on CCTV.
During Liam Slann’s first court appearance on Tuesday, the clinician – who was sitting in the witness box – suggested a 269X warrant should be issued.
Magistrate David McLeod replied any such request must be made by defence counsel, and Liam Slann’s lawyer said he would be making no such application.
The clinician responded, “well, you should be.”
On Friday, the CAA spokeswoman said clinicians had been working in the state’s Magistrates Courts since March 2019, and were usually stationed in the public gallery.
“The service was established in recognition of the need for early identification of mentally disordered defendants and their management and treatment,” she said.
“Clinicians have access to the daily custody and general lists to identify defendants with mental health issues in order to provide relevant information to the magistrate.”
She said that allowed clinicians to “provide timely information” regarding a defendant’s “mental health history and current mental health needs”.
“They are also able to indicate if it may be appropriate for a defendant who is to be remanded in custody, to be held in a mental health facility rather than a prison,” she said.
“It is then the decision of the Court as to the order that is made.”
Liam Slann will next face court in October.
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