Jaydn Stimson, charged with murdering SA Police officer Jason Doig, seeks mental incompetence defence

The man accused of the shooting murder of a beloved country cop is likely mentally unfit to stand trial, his lawyer has told a court. But prosecutors are not convinced.

The man charged with the shooting murder of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig in the state’s South East last year will likely be “mentally unfit to stand trial”, according to psychiatrists, a court has heard.

Jaydn Stimson, 26, appeared in the South Australian Supreme Court on Monday morning via video link from James Nash House – where he has been held since a shooting at Senior, near the SA-Victorian border, in November.

Mr Stimson was charged with the murder of Brevet Sergeant Doig after the late-night incident, which also injured Sergeant Michael Hutchinson.

Brevet Sergeant Doig and Sergeant Hutchinson were on duty and responding to a call-out to the property when the shooting unfolded.

Mr Stimson was rushed to the RAH with life-threatening injuries after the incident on November 16.

Jaydn Stimson has been charged with murdering Jason Doig. Picture: Supplied

Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig. Picture: Supplied

In April, Mr Stimson admitted to the elements of the charge with his lawyer, Andrew Graham, telling the court they would be exploring a mental health defence.

Mr Graham also told the court that his client had been diagnosed with a psychotic illness and asked Magistrate Brian Nitschke to formalise his client’s order to remain in James Nash House under Section 269 of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act.

On Monday, Justice Sandi McDonald heard two reports about Mr Stimson’s mental health from psychiatrists at James Nash House would support a mental incompetence defence, but had recommended further assessment of his fitness to stand trial.

Mr Graham, for Mr Stimson, said his client had been assessed in custody and he would enter pleas on his behalf.

“The first report strongly recommends an assessment for his fitness to stand trial,” Mr Graham said.

“And the second report repeats that position, so I’m asking Your Honour not to arraign Mr Stimson, and I can enter pleas on his behalf.”

The prosecutor said he would be opposed to a mental incompetence defence at this stage, but that further reports should be ordered.

“Your Honour, the Director doesn’t presently accept that the defendant has a mental incompetence defence, however it would be our application that the court order two further reports from two separate entities,” he said.

Brevet Sergeant Doig was responding to an incident when he was allegedly murdered. Picture: Facebook

Mr Graham did not oppose the request, saying further reports into his client’s mental competence and fitness to stand trial were warranted.

“Mr Graham, I take it that you enter pleas of not guilty on behalf of your client?” Justice McDonald asked.

“I do,” Mr Graham replied.

Mr Stimson was remanded in James Nash House until December, when the new psychiatric reports are expected to be available.

Brevet Sergeant Doig was a well-known member of the South-East community and career policeman from Lucindale.

Originally published as Jaydn Stimson, charged with murdering SA Police officer Jason Doig, seeks mental incompetence defence