‘In the interests of justice’: magistrate approves compulsory examination of Deakin University lecturer’s clinician

A magistrate has granted a clinician leave to give evidence about her Deakin University lecturer client, who is alleged to have stabbed his wife to death.

A clinician will be cross-examined about her sessions with a university lecturer who allegedly murdered his wife in their Croydon North home earlier this year.

Dr Adam Brown, 40, remains in custody after being charged with the murder of his 35-year-old wife Chen Cheng.

The Deakin University lecturer allegedly fatally stabbed the young mother in the couple’s Patrick Avenue home in May.

On Monday an application to compulsorily examine Cathy Fowler was brought before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Dr Brown, a senior communications lecturer, did not appear.

The court was told Ms Fowler had resisted making a statement as part of the investigation due to an unwillingness to breach clinician / client confidentiality.

Leader understands Ms Fowler is a psychologist.

Though Magistrate Andrew McKenna granted leave for her to give evidence in the case, saying it was “in the interests of justice”.

The hearing will take place in September.

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