A magistrate confronted with a tough dilemma in deciding the fate of a 'disturbed' man who attacked people with an axe in Daylesford has said he cannot risk the public safety and denied him bail.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Nathan Camilleri, 22, who arrived at his friend's house carrying an axe, attacked six people and was arrested three times in 36 hours has been denied bail at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Police informant First Constable Jason Allison told the court Camilleri allegedly attended a Daylesford home on February 1, 2020, kicked and punched the passenger side of a car, causing damage.
The court heard later that day he allegedly arrived at another home in a 'psychotic state' carrying an axe and acted erratic and abusive.
First Constable Allison said Camilleri allegedly damaged a vehicle parked outside the home by punching and kicking it and he smashed the car's windscreen with his hands.
The court heard when he tried to leave the home in his car, a man believed to be a friend grabbed his keys to prevent him from leaving and Camilleri then allegedly kicked him in the face.
Police attended, arrested Camilleri and took him to hospital, but he later absconded from the emergency department.
First Constable Allison said on February 2, 2020 Camilleri attended Daylesford Hospital covered in blood and acted aggressive to staff before fleeing without treatment.
Police later located him at a Musk address.
"Police believe he will continue to offend and put members of the public at risk," First Constable Allison said.
"He has attacked six witnesses, attended an address with an axe and has been arrested three times in 36 hours."
First Constable Allison said police did not have as many resources in the Daylesford area as Ballarat or Melbourne and there was a risk to police in the area if Camilleri was armed with an axe.
'This bizarre, warped behaviour shows a very disturbed mind,'
- Magistrate Leonard Brear
"I definitely hold concerns for the public. I think he needs to be in a secure mental health facility," he said.
A Ballarat defence lawyer said Camilleri had no criminal history and it was proposed he would be bailed to live with his mother in Altona Meadows.
The lawyer said the risk to the public was greatly reduced if Camilleri was put on the Court Integrated Services Program.
"It appears clear he would benefit from therapeutic intervention and that is not best done in custody," she said.
"He told me his intention was to seek a mental health care plan."
The court heard Camilleri's alleged offences came after the death of his close friend in January and the victims appeared to be from a circle of friends where there had been a friendship breakdown.
The lawyer said it was unlikely Camilleri would receive a jail sentence given his lack of prior history.
Magistrate Leonard Brear indicated it was a difficult decision whether to grant Camilleri bail, given his clear need for mental health and drug treatment, but also the great risk to the public.
"This bizarre, warped behaviour shows a very disturbed mind," he said.
"At this point in time I have concerns for members of the community including his friends.
"I am positively satisfied at this moment your anger and what is troubling you is putting others at severe risk. Today I am not taking the risk."
Camilleri was denied bail and remanded to return to court on February 27.
Mr Brear requested an assessment and report be prepared by mental health professionals.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
