Accused circular saw murderer John Yalu referred to Mental Health Court

Two days before he was due to enter a plea for murder, a farm labourer accused of killing a man by cutting off his leg with a circular saw has had his charge suspended.

John Yalu, 36, was charged with murder following the suspicious death of an Innisfail man.

Two days before he was due to enter a plea for murder, a farm labourer accused of killing a man by cutting off his leg with a circular saw has had his charge suspended and referred to the mental health court.

Vanuatu national John Yalu, who was 27 at the time of the alleged incident on February 19, 2022, had proceedings suspended in Cairns Supreme Court.

At an arraignment, the defendant is formally charged and asked to enter a plea.

Supreme Court Justice James Henry had expressed his disapproval at the length of time the case was taking to Mr Yalu’s lawyer Michael Rodrigues, who initially indicated an interpreter would be required then indicated it may be appropriate to refer the matter to the Mental Health Court.

John Yalu was charged with murder but criminal proceedings have now been suspended. Picture: Supplied

Mr Yalu is accused of murdering Innisfail grandfather Kalman Tal by amputating his leg, allegedly at the request of the 66-year-old.

Police allege at 3.48am on February 19 Mr Yalu and Mr Tal drove together to Fitzgerald Park at Innisfail, where they sat under a tree in the park for about 20 minutes before Mr Yalu used a circular saw to cut Mr Tal’s leg off at the knee.

Innisfail grandfather Kalman Tal, who died in Innisfail after allegedly having his leg amputated. Picture: Supplied

The mutilated body of the pensioner was discovered by passers-by on Fitzgerald Esplanade.

Under the Queensland Mental Health Act 2016, criminal proceedings can be suspended for several reasons, including that a reference is made to the Mental Health Court.

Defendants can be referred if the chief psychiatrist is satisfied the person may have been of unsound mind when the serious offence was allegedly committed or may be unfit for trial, and, having regard to protection of the community, there is a compelling reason for referral to the Mental Health Court.

Mr Yalu is no longer in correctional service custody.

The suspension can be revoked if the chief psychiatrist gives a direction to do so or if the Mental Health Court has made a decision on the reference.

The prosecution of Mr Yalu may be discontinued.

Originally published as Accused circular saw murderer John Yalu referred to Mental Health Court