‘Losing the plot’: Friends tell of shock over CBD stabbing rampage allegations

A man accused of stabbing five random strangers across Melbourne faced a series of other violent charges before his alleged vicious crime spree.

A man accused of stabbing five strangers at random during a violent three-hour crime spree in Melbourne was once a “a big community person” who cared deeply for others.

It comes as ex-plumber Christopher Raftopoulos on Friday told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court he had no idea why he was in prison and wanted to be freed.

“I am asking in advance that you consider bailing me,” he pleaded.

The request followed a series of bizarre statements made in court by Mr Raftopoulos, who is being held in custody at a psychiatric facility within the Melbourne Assessment Prison.

The 31-year-old repeatedly told the court: “I have protected every planet in the solar system. I have protected the sun”.

Accused serial stabber Christopher Raftopoulos previously worked as a plumber. Picture: Supplied

Mr Raftopoulos also dumped his lawyer Michael Amad during the hearing, telling Magistrate Megan Casey: “This lawyer is not my lawyer. I want to represent myself”.

The Melton man is accused of randomly stabbing four men and one woman during a three-hour burst of extreme violence across CBD and St Kilda last weekend.

Mr Raftopoulos is facing a series of other violent charges which predate the alleged CBD stabbing spree.

The court heard he was charged with unlawful assault, intentionally damaging property and driving while suspended in 2020.

He is also expected to face court on a charge of intentionally causing injury laid in 2021 and breaching a community corrections order in 2022.

It can be revealed Mr Raftopoulos once worked as a plumber and played for Keilor and St Albans football clubs.

A former friend, who did not want to be named, told of Mr Raftopoulos’ mental deterioration over recent years.

“We have said for a long time that he’s losing the plot. I don’t know how it got to this,” the friend said.

Raftopoulos is accused of stabbing five strangers at random during a violent three-hour crime spree. Picture: Channel 9

The friend said Mr Raftopoulos came from a supportive family and previously did anything for his mates.

“He comes from great family pedigree. He was always a big community person … he looked out for his mates. It’s a massive shock.”

The slashing spree allegedly began in Southbank about 9.20pm on Saturday.

A 28-year-old Glen Waverley man walking along City Rd was knifed in the leg and torso.

About forty minutes later, a man was stabbed outside a burger joint on King St.

Shocking CCTV footage captured the suspect in a distinct lime green jacket running up behind the victim and stabbing him in the leg.

Four seriously injured after spate of random stabbing attacks in Melbourne One of the victims was attacked outside a burger store on King Street in Melbourne CBD. Picture: 9NEWS

A man and woman believed to be a couple were targeted about 11pm on Dandenong Rd in St Kilda East.

The 31-year-old St Kilda East woman was slashed multiple times and taken to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition.

Her condition was later downgraded to serious but stable.

Her partner, a 31-year-old Glen Waverley man, was taken to hospital with a serious arm injury.

About 12.30pm, a 31-year-old English man was stabbed in the leg on Acland St in St Kilda.

He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Four of the five victims remained in hospital on Friday.

On social media, Mr Raftopoulos described himself as having a “heart of gold and fierce mind”.

One video depicts him holding a live pigeon in his hand before releasing it over train tracks.

Another shows him smoking while listening to rap music.

Mr Raftopoulos will reappear in court next week.