Simon Overland attacker found not guilty by reason of insanity

A MAN who assaulted Tasmanian Justice Department secretary Simon Overland has been found not guilty on the grounds of insanity.

Scales of Justice

A MAN who assaulted Tasmanian Justice Department secretary Simon Overland in central Hobart has been found not guilty on the grounds of insanity.

Ryan Kinsellar, 30, of Hobart, pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates Court in Hobart today to a charge of assault.

The court heard he was drunk when he attacked Mr Overland near the intersection of Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets on January 21.

Magistrate Glenn Hay heard Mr Overland and his wife had left a wine tasting around 7.45pm and were heading towards the mall.

Kinsellar bellowed as he ran up behind Mr Overland and punched him to the ground.

Mr Overland, a former Victoria Police chief commissioner, regained his feet and restrained Kinsellar while his wife called police.

Mr Hay said the expert evidence presented to the court showed Kinsellar was insane at the time of the offence.

The case has been adjourned to December 12 for consideration of what further orders might be made.