Shane Couch: Accused Melton street brawler barricaded in prison cell

An alleged street brawler who left school kids and parents terrified at pick-up time has refused to face court, barricading himself in his jail cell.

A man allegedly caught on camera starting a terrifying street brawl outside a school in Melbourne’s west has refused to face court and barricaded himself in a prison cell.

Shane Couch, 21, is accused of attacking a father through a car window during a dramatic altercation at Melton Secondary College on March 15.

It’s alleged he used a wooden picket during the incident as well as repeatedly punching the man.

According to a police summary, the alleged victim had just picked up his child from the school when Mr Couch, who was shirtless at the time, ran up to the car.

A passer-by then yelled “look out, he’s coming back”.

The panic led to a three-car ”domino-like collision” before nearby police arrived and arrested Mr Couch.

It is not clear what sparked the alleged tirade.

A man will appear in court on Wednesday after allegedly carrying out a road rage attack outside a school in Melton, in Melbourne’s northwest. Picture: 9 News

He appeared in the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court the following day, telling the court he would “keep out of trouble” if released.

However the presiding magistrate at the time denied him bail, agreeing with police that he posed an unacceptable risk to the community.

The matter returned to court on Tuesday, where a prison official at the Melbourne Assessment Prison said via audio link that it was “highly unlikely” Mr Couch would engage with the court process.

“He’s non-compliant with staff and has barricaded himself in his cell,” he said.

After a short pause while the official attempted to talk to Mr Couch, he returned to the call saying the accused man was refusing to participate.

A man will appear in court on Wednesday after allegedly carrying out a road rage attack outside a school in Melton, in Melbourne’s northwest. Picture: 9 News

“He’s unable to attend at this stage,” he said. “He is disengaged and refusing to participate with the court.”

Appearing as a friend of the court, Legal Aid lawyer Morgan Adams said he had been told Mr Couch’s previous lawyer had dumped him as a client after failing to speak with him.

“His case has been handed back to Legal Aid,” he said. “There’s a question about how to move forward.”

Mr Adams added he had been informed there was a “considerable deterioration” in the man’s mental health since his arrest.

Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz remanded him into custody and adjourned the matter to April 14.

“Given the court‘s inability to engage with Mr Couch and issues relating to legal representation, I’m satisfied bringing this back before court at another time,” she said.

Couch has yet to enter pleas on charges including reckless conduct endangering life, affray and assault with a weapon.