A man who inflicted serious injuries on another man in a stabbing earlier this year, will be sentenced later this month.
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Dylan Hector Karslake, 22, pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Thursday to recklessly causing serious injury and arson, after the magistrate deemed it was appropriate the matter did not progress to a higher court.
On the morning of May 24, the victim went to the Raywood property where Karslake lived, to collect some gold panning equipment from a shed.
The court heard Karslake confronted the victim in the shed over erroneous beliefs he held about the victim's actions.
He then stabbed the man multiple times, until the victim pleaded with him to stop.
Karslake threw the knife in a water tank, walked into the shed in which he lived, and set fire to his bed, destroying the building.
The victim was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he underwent surgeries for his injuries, which included lacerations to his arms - which severed muscle and tendons - and his upper chest and shoulder area.
He had to undergo physiotherapy after his surgeries.
The court heard Karslake had previously been convicted of recklessly causing injury and breaching intervention orders in relation to the same victim.
Defence lawyer Clare Wilkin said the Karslake's mental illness was a causal factor in the offending and a significant trigger.
In making her application for the matter to remain in the Magistrates' Court, Ms Wilkin referred to the report of a psychiatrist who said Karlake's delusional beliefs appeared to be "germane to the offending".
The court heard Karslake had a history of mental health problems, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
In sentencing submissions, Ms Wilkin said her client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and the plea was an expression of remorse.
Karslake had positive future prospects, she said - he wanted to move to the Sunbury area for a fresh start and hoped to recommence his mechanic apprenticeship.
Ms Wilkin submitted rehabilitation was an important factor to consider in sentencing and her client had never received a community corrections order that included treatment.
The prosecution was opposed to the matter being heard in the Magistrates' Court, with prosecutor Philip Teo submitting the matter was of sufficient seriousness and complexity to warrant its move to the County Court.
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Mr Teo submitted the expert reports put to the court did not show there was a significant causal link between the Karslake's mental illness and his offending.
He said Karslake had "lashed out in anger" and had not attacked the victim out of a specific delusional belief.
Drugs and alcohol had also played a part, Mr Teo said.
But magistrate Sharon McRae said that while Karslake was in court on serious charges and the evidence around his mental health and its role in the offending was "a bit murky", she was satisfied the Magistrates' Court should deal with the matter.
She ordered Karslake be assessed for a community corrections order and adjourned sentencing to December 22.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
