Man charged as patient died following alleged assault at The Canberra Hospital
A teenager has faced court over the death of a 38-year-old patient at The Canberra Hospital’s mental health unit. Here’s what we know so far.
Canberra Star
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A teenager has faced the ACT Magistrates Court charged with the murder of a patient following an altercation at The Canberra Hospital on Sunday.
ACT Policing allege at 12.10am they were called to the Adult Mental Health Unit at the hospital after reports of an assault.
Police claim the assault led to the death of the 38-year-old man who was a patient at the mental ward.
The courtroom was filled with distraught family members of the 18-year-old defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when he appeared at court on Monday.
The teenager’s lawyer, Tamsin Lee of ACT Legal aid said her client required a mental health assessment.
She did not apply for bail on behalf of her client, and asked for the man to be transferred to the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit at the Alexander Maconochie Centre — Canberra’s only prison.
No pleas have been entered.
Ms Lee and prosecutors successfully applied for a non-publication order on the names of the defendant and the 38-year-old deceased man.
The defence lawyer cited the vulnerability of her client, safety concerns held by his family and his broader community as reasons for seeking the non-publication order.
In making the order Special Magistrate Margaret Hunter said the suppression on the names would be removed after the man’s next appearance.
The teenager will next appear at court on December 5.
Following the incident Mental Health Minister Emma Davidson released a statement describing the incident as a “very distressing situation” for families, staff and other patients at the ward.
“My thoughts are with the family of the deceased,” she said.
“These sorts of incidents are also felt deeply by the health services staff who are extremely dedicated to caring for their patients, and I know many will be struggling with this news today.
“Canberra Health Services is doing everything to ensure that patients and staff within the Adult Mental Health Unit are supported at this time.
“As this is a matter for the police, I will make no further comment at this time.”
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