Alleged Nepean police shooter Michael de Guzman ’not in a fit state’ to sign bail papers court told

MICHAEL de Guzman, accused of shooting a cop at Nepean Hospital, was released on bail even though he wasn’t in a fit mental state.

THE man accused of taking a female doctor hostage and shooting a police officer at Nepean Hospital had just been released on bail for an alleged aggravated break and enter despite the fact he was not in a fit state to sign bail conditions, court documents reveal.

Michael de Guzman, 39, a former nurse, faced Penrith Local Court yesterday accused of threatening paediatric registrar Ma Guinto with scissors and shooting police officer Senior Constable Luke Warburton and security guard Barry Jennings, following an ice binge.

Dr Guinto has not returned to work since the incident and Snr Const Warburton is recovering from surgery from his wounded thigh.

Michael de Guzman appeared via video link in Penrith Court today. Artist: Vincent de Gouw

Mr Jennings’ family yesterday said he had undergone surgery and was recovering well.

It is believed de Guzman was high on ice when police took him to ­Nepean Hospital for treatment after he was arrested and charged for breaking into a Colyton home, assaulting two police officers and resisting arrest.

Documents tendered in court revealed “the accused was initially granted bail when he was not in a fit state to sign bail conditions”.

The court documents show that after police took de Guzman to hospital he was given a court attendance notice for aggravated break and enter, two counts of assaulting police and one of resisting arrest.

De Guzman allegedly took Dr Guinto hostage when police who had been guarding him left to return to general duties.

The following day Penrith Inspector David Ralph reversed the original decision to grant him bail.

De Guzman did not apply for bail in Penrith Local Court yesterday.

The matter will return to court on March 4.