Assessment report on Reid Ludwig’s alleged teenage killer still not complete

The manslaughter trial of a youth accused of stabbing a Taroona ­father to death has been delayed with an essential report yet to be completed, a court has heard. DETAILS >>

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A REPORT on whether a teenage boy facing a manslaughter charge, after ­allegedly stabbing Taroona ­father Reid Ludwig to death, is fit to stand trial has still not been completed, a court has heard.

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 Justice Helen Wood via video link from the Ashley Youth Detention Centre on Wednesday, had previously faced a charge of murder before it was downgraded to manslaughter.

He has not yet entered a plea to the charge.

Reid Ludwig, left, who died after being stabbed. He is pictured here with his brother Blair Ludwig.

Defence barrister Rochelle Mainwaring said an assessment of the boy’s fitness to stand trial was still being done and would take another three to four weeks.

Ms Mainwaring said she had previously advised the final report would be completed by early May and she was not aware of the reasons for the delay.

“My hands are tied,” she said.

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.

The case was adjourned for a further directions hearing on June 17 and the boy was remanded in custody.