Mert Ney: Court hears of ‘unacceptable’ delays in alleged Sydney CBD stabber case

The prosecution has told a court of “unacceptable” delays in the case of a man accused of going on a knife rampage in Sydney’s CBD.

CCTV footage shows Mert Nay before his alleged crimes. Picture: 7 News

A Sydney magistrate says delays in the case of a man who allegedly stabbed a young woman to death before terrorising Sydney’s CBD last year have dragged on long enough.

Lawyers for Mert Ney, accused of murdering sex worker Michaela Dunn, 24, and stabbing another woman, Lin Bo, in August 2019, had asked Magistrate Robert Williams for a lengthy adjournment as they await reports on whether he is fit to stand trial.

Mr Ney was subdued in a citizen’s arrest by terrified civilians who had chased the alleged armed-murderer down a city street before pinning him to the ground with a milk crate.

Mert Ney’s lawyers asked for a 12-week adjournment. Picture: Seven News

Central Local Court heard on Tuesday the 21-year-old sought a 12-week adjournment to allow time for his defence to pour over 1500 pages of reports from Justice Health and other agencies, and to conduct a new psychological assessment of Mr Ney.

“The reason being were exploring issues in relation to fitness and defences that might be available,” his lawyer said.

Magistrate Williams, however, forcefully declined the application saying he was astounded the defence “hadn’t got any evidence” in the year since Mr Ney’s arrest.

The court had heard his matter had been delayed on several occasions in recent months in order to give his defence time to obtain psychological reports, which had not been produced to the court.

Police will allege Mert Ney murdered Michaela Dunn.

Isabella Maxwell-Williams, acting for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the delay was “unacceptable for such a serious matter”.

“As at today’s date Your Honour, it has been over a year since the alleged offending,” she said.

Mert Nay was eventually subdued in a citizen’s arrest by terrified civilians

Magistrate Williams agreed and ordered the parties return next week to devise a way forward.

“I propose to list this matter next Tuesday, and hear from the parties why this matter should not be committed due to the delays,” he said.

A milk crate was used to subdue Mert Ney. Picture: Seven News

“The court does need to take some control in the management of this matter.”

The matter will return to court on September 15.

Originally published as Mert Ney: Court hears of ‘unacceptable’ delays in alleged Sydney CBD stabber case