Accused Bourke Street driver Dimitrious Gargasoulas’ younger brother is worried about his sibling’s mental health in prison as prosecutors consider whether he is fit to stand trial.
Angelo Gargasoulas was in court on Monday to support his 27-year-old brother as he appeared before the Victorian Supreme Court via video link for a directions hearing.
The accused man on Friday waived his right to a pre-trial committal hearing and pleaded not guilty to 39 offences, including six counts of murder and 28 of attempted murder, over the Bourke St rampage on January 20.
Dimitrious Gargasoulas (pictured) pleaded not guilty to 39 offences, including six counts of murder and 28 of attempted murder, over the Bourke St rampage on January 20
Mental health experts who assessed Gargasoulas in custody believe his mental fitness to plead and stand trial is an issue.
Director of Public Prosecutions John Champion SC said they are awaiting another report before deciding how the case will proceed.
The report, by the state’s criminal mental health service Forensicare, is not expected to be completed before March.
‘I would hope Forensicare would give this matter urgent priority,’ Justice Lex Lasry said.
‘This is one of those cases where there is some level of pressure.’
Angelo Gargasoulas (left and right) was in court on Monday to support his 27-year-old brother as he appeared before the Victorian Supreme Court via video link for a directions hearing
Defence barrister Theo Alexander said Gargasoulas’ ability to understand what was happening in court was an issue (Dimitrious Gargasoulas pictured)
Gargasoulas is charged with six counts of murder, after he allegedly ran people down with his car (pictured) on Melbourne’s Bourke Street on January 20
Defence barrister Theo Alexander said Gargasoulas’ ability to understand what was happening in court was an issue.
‘The primary inquiry is his current presentation,’ he told the court.
Outside court, Angelo said he was worried about his older brother.
‘That’s the only thing I’m more than concerned about, pretty much his mental health and how he’s doing,’ he told media.
‘Family’s family after all, at the end of the day.’
Emergency services work on the injured, metres from where Gargagoulas’ car came to rest
Police and Emergency services at the scene where Gargasoulas went on a rampage through busy Bourke St mall allegedly killing six people
A pram is seen on the corner of Bourke and William Street following the rampage
Angelo said he and his brother have been writing each other letters while the 27-year-old has been in prison.
The 26-year-old said Dimitrious has ‘most definitely’ shown remorse for what has happened.
‘It’s definitely showing.’
The case is due to return to court on March 2 for an update about whether Gargasoulas can stand trial or whether he should face a hearing about his mental state.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten lays flowers on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Street after the rampage through busy Bourke St mall
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