Halekulani: Ex-paramedic David Michael Guest on trial for alleged hammer attack sacks lawyers
A former paramedic charged with intentionally attacking a neighbour with a small sledgehammer has sensationally sacked his legal defence on the morning of his long-awaited trial.
Central Coast
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A former paramedic who pleaded not guilty to intentionally attacking his neighbour with a club hammer has sacked his barrister and instructing solicitor on the morning his trial was due to start.
David Michael Guest, of Halekulani, appeared at Gosford District Court on Monday where he was expected to face a five to seven day trial.
The court heard the case, before a judge alone, hinged on whether the now 47-year-old intentionally caused grievous bodily harm during the attack or whether he was acting under “automatism” because of his mental health.
It comes after emergency services were called to Huene Ave, Halekulani, about 6.20pm on February 10, 2022, after reports Mr Guest had allegedly attacked a 62-year-old neighbour with a small sledgehammer.
The neighbour sustained serious injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Guest was arrested a short time later and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and breaching an apprehended violence order.
He was refused bail and has been remanded in custody ever since.
On Monday the court heard two mental health experts were expected to give evidence with one, for the prosecution, likely to tell the court that while Mr Guest was experiencing mental health issues at the time he was aware of his actions.
The court heard the other expert, for Mr Guest’s defence, was expected to state the former paramedic was acting autonomously of his conscious faculties.
There was some discussion between the parties as to the experts’ availability with both parties agreeing their evidence should be heard “concurrently” on the same day.
However after a short adjournment Mr Guest’s barrister Daniel McMahon returned to court and advised his client had withdrawn his instructions.
“I’m not in a position, as a consequence, to act for Mr Guest today,” Mr McMahon said.
“I think in reality, the last week has been a rather stressful process, understandably, for Mr Guest. It may be that’s a matter that needs to be given some consideration in terms of whether or not the trial can reasonably proceed at this stage in terms of where Mr Guest is currently in terms of his mental state.”
Judge Miiko Kumar asked Mr Guest “did you withdraw your instructions to them?” to which he replied: “yeah, I think so”.
The matter was adjourned for a call-over on February 22.
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