Maxwell Edward Gray granted bail in Rockhampton court

A man charged with an alleged machete attack in Berserker has been granted bail as he becomes an “involuntary” patient at a mental health ward.

Maxwell Edward Gray. Photo: File

A man charged with an alleged machete attack which left three men injured has been granted bail with strict conditions.

Maxwell Edward Gray, 61, was charged with going armed so as to cause fear, assault occasioning bodily harm, serious assault and threatening violence.

It’s alleged Gray injured three men, one of whom was over the age of 60, while wielding a machete during a disturbance on Leamington St in Berserker on Friday, September 8.

Gray’s matter was first mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Monday, September 11, but the matter was adjourned to Tuesday, September 12, so a mental health assessment could be conducted.

An application for bail was made on Tuesday, where Gray was represented by lawyer Pierre Lammersdorf.

Multiple emergency crews were called to Berserker on Friday (September 8) after three men were allegedly attacked by a man with a machete.

He said in the past Gray had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and the mental health report showed a “potential relapse” in his mental state.

Mr Lammersdorf told the court his client would be an involuntary patient at the Rockhampton mental health ward.

“It goes without saying, the community safety is the paramount concern here, especially given the alleged offences before the court which are very serious,” he said.

“I concede these are offences of great concern and the community would be concerned about these matters, but the reality is the bail conditions would be very strict in that he would be residing at the mental health ward and not to reside anywhere else.”

Mr Lammersdorf said if his client did not have mental health concerns it would be unlikely he would be making an application for bail.

He said Gray would need to undergo further assessments so it could be determined if the matter would have to proceed through the Mental Health Court.

Police prosecutor Brendan Selic said while bail was formally opposed, it was “clear” Gray needed assistance.

Magistrate Paul Byrne granted Gray bail on the condition that he lives at the mental health ward at Rockhampton Hospital.

Permission for him to live elsewhere must first be given in writing by police.

His matters were adjourned to be mentioned again on October 24.

Originally published as Maxwell Edward Gray granted bail in Rockhampton court