Plea yet to be entered by teen accused of Reid Ludwig’s manslaughter at Blackmans Bay

More than 18 months since Taroona ­father Reid Ludwig was allegedly stabbed to death at a Blackmans Bay service station, a plea is yet to be entered by his accused for his alleged manslaughter. LATEST >>>

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THE state is now seeking its own report into the fitness of a teen to stand trial after he ­allegedly stabbed Taroona ­father Reid Ludwig to death.

In March, the Supreme Court of Tasmania was told ­issues surrounding autism spectrum disorder and cognitive function needed to be assessed before the case could proceed.

The 17-year-old, who appeared before judge Helen Wood via video link from Ashley Youth Detention Centre on Thursday, had previously faced a charge of murder before it was downgraded to manslaughter.

Taroona man Reid Ludwig.

The boy previously entered a plea of not guilty to one count of murder after police alleged he fatally stabbed Mr Ludwig outside a Coles Express service station at Blackmans Bay in November, 2019.

He has not yet entered a plea to the manslaughter charge.

Defence barrister Rochelle Mainwaring said last month the assessment of the boy’s fitness to stand trial was still being done and this report was tendered in court on Thursday.

Prosecutor Simon Nicholson said the Crown was also now seeking its own report into the defendant’s fitness to stand trial.

The court heard this would take up to eight weeks.

The matter was adjourned until August 18 and the boy was remanded in custody.