Mert Ney: Alleged Michaela Dunn killer set for psychiatric test
It is almost 10 months since Mert Ney is alleged to have gone on a stabbing spree in Sydney’s CBD, resulting in the death of sex worker Michaela Dunn. A court has heard it has still not been determined if the man is mentally fit to stand trial.
Central Sydney
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A mental health assessment ordered for the man accused of going on a stabbing spree across Sydney’s CBD last year is yet to be completed – delaying his matter before the courts.
Mert Ney, 21, is accused of killing sex worker Michaela Dunn, 24, in a CBD unit and then stabbing another woman before being pinned down in the street by members of the public in August last year.
News cameras captured Ney running through the city allegedly with a knife before his dramatic apprehension with a milk crate.
His matter was mentioned in Central Local Court on Tuesday and an update was given on his mental health assessment.
The prosecutor said on the last occasion in court “fitness” was raised as a potential issue and needed to be assessed. However, he said a psychiatric report was yet to be completed for Ney.
“It has been delayed but should be received by the end of June or start of July,” the prosecutor said.
In NSW courts, fitness usually means the defendant’s ability to fairly take place in a trial.
The matter was adjourned until July 14. Ney’s defence lawyer did not apply for bail and it was formerly refused by Magistrate Robert Williams.
Ney did not appear on audio visual link.
Ney, formerly from Blacktown, is facing a long list of charges including murder, two counts of intentionally choke person, and possess child abuse material.
Earlier this year the court heard the brief of evidence – which will form the police court case against Ney – is now 21 volumes in size and more than 7000 pages in length.
A court previously heard Ney allegedly organised for a “girlfriend experience” with Ms Dunn and arrived at her apartment at 1:44pm on August 13.
By 1.57pm, police allege, he had killed her and left.
A court previously heard Ney allegedly snapped a selfie, put on a beanie and rushed into the street before stabbing 41-year-old Lin Bo in the back outside Hotel CBD.
She survived.