Accused Flinders St driver may have psychiatric issues or an undiagnosed illness

THE man accused of mowing down pedestrians in Melbourne appeared in court behind protective glass, as lawyers said they would explore his mental state.

THE man accused of mowing down pedestrians in Flinders St may be suffering psychiatric issues or have an undiagnosed illness, a court has heard.

Afghan refugee and Australian citizen Saeed Noori, 32, of Heidelberg West appeared behind protective glass and was flanked by two security guards Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

His lawyers said they will explore his mental state and fitness to be tried, at the brief appearance.

Security guards have sat on either side of Saeed Noori who's been placed behind glass for his appearance at court this morning. Hasn't looked up once.@9NewsMelb

— Alexis Daish (@LexiDaish) December 27, 2017

He was remanded in custody after a brief court appearance on Saturday. Sky News reports he stared at the floor throughout his appearance today.

Noori has been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder and one count of reckless conduct endangering life.

Accused Flinders Street rampage driver Saeed Noori (centre) leaves the Melbourne West Police Station on Saturday. Picture: Mark Stewart.

Emergency services workers treat the injured. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

“It’s alleged the accused deliberately drove a motor vehicle into pedestrians crossing the road at the intersection of Flinders Street and Elizabeth Street in the Melbourne CBD, with the intention of killing or causing really serious injury to as many people as possible,” read a police summary, tendered in court. Twenty people were hospitalised, including the alleged driver and the off duty police officer who arrested him, after a white SUV ploughed through pedestrians on the afternoon of December 21.

Eight people remain in hospital, two of them critical.

Noori’s lawyer Tass Antos said his mental impairment and fitness to plead will be explored as part of the defence case.

Prosecutors asked for longer than usual to serve a brief of evidence on the defence, which will include CCTV footage.

Saeed Noori's mother leaves the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Magistrate John Hardy noted Noori was withdrawing from drug addiction, that he may have psychiatric and other illnesses and was taking medication for mental health issues.

“It’s important that you continue to take your medications,” Mr Hardy said. Mr Hardy also ordered Noori be seen by Forensicare as soon as possible. “They can only see you if you let them,” he said.

“That’s your choice, but I ask you to do that. Do you understand that?” Noori replied quietly: “Yes, your honour”.

According to a police summary, a motive for the accused’s actions remains under investigation and further charges are being considered.

Noori was remanded in custody until his committal mention on May 30. He made no application for bail.

Originally published as Accused Flinders St driver may have psychiatric issues or an undiagnosed illness