Islamic state fighter Neil Prakash treated for mental health issues as case delayed

The alleged Islamic State terrorist is being treated for mental health issues behind bars as he faces multiple terrorism charges that could see him spend life in prison.

Mr Prakash was extradited to Melbourne, via Darwin, under federal police escort in December.

A Melbourne-born alleged terrorist is yet to show his face in a Victorian court four months after his dramatic extradition from Turkey.

Neil Christopher Prakash, 31, from Clayton South, was due to front Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday to see how his lawyers were progressing with his case.

But in a similar fashion to his two previous hearings, Mr Prakash was a no show.

His lawyer Isabelle Skaburskis told the court her client was suffering from mental illness.

“There’s mental health concerns that he is being treated for,” Ms Skaburskis said.

Neil Prakash, who is facing serious terrorism offences, has failed to front a Victorian court. Picture: AFP

She successfully requested an adjournment until August 11.

Mr Prakash was extradited to Melbourne, via Darwin, under federal police escort in December, in a major operation after a warrant had been out for his arrest since 2016.

On arrival on Australian soil, he was charged with five offences, including being a member of, and providing support to, the terrorist organisation, Islamic State, between June 2014 and September 2016.

He refused to appear before magistrate Donna Bakos at his initial hearing on his arrival in the Victorian capital, with the court hearing he was suffering from burning pain and schizophrenia.

Mr Prakash again did not appear in court at his second hearing scheduled in February.

Charge sheets allege he entered a foreign country and “intentionally engaged in hostile activities” between December 1, 2014 and September 23, 2016 – a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life behind bars.

It is also alleged he advocated for a terrorist act to be committed in April 2015.