A MAN accused of assaulting and robbing a victim in Castlemaine is in a stable condition in hospital after suffering a medical episode in the courtroom.
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Shane Roberts, 33, was applying for bail in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after he was charged with offences including robbery, theft, criminal damage, and intentionally causing serious injury.
Mr Roberts collapsed in the dock shortly after Magistrate Susan Wakeling refused his bail application.
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The 33-year-old was taken to hospital under police guard. A Bendigo Health spokesperson confirmed he was in a stable condition.
It comes after a woman last week collapsed while giving evidence in the County Court.
Mr Roberts had been applying for bail following an alleged robbery in Castlemaine on Tuesday.
The court heard the victim was riding his bike when Mr Roberts and another woman allegedly pulled up alongside him in a Ford Falcon.
Mr Roberts allegedly yelled abuse at the victim before getting out of the car and throwing a piece of cement at the victim's chest.
Police alleged Mr Roberts then repeatedly punched the victim to the head and neck. The court heard the victim curled up on the ground as the assault continued.
Mr Roberts allegedly demanded the victim's wallet and phone, before rifling through the victim's pockets.
Police alleged he took the victim's mobile and smashed it, before grabbing the victim's wallet and leaving.
The victim returned home and contacted police, before he was taken to hospital for a cut to the head.
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Senior Constable Daniel Brady told the court the victim had been wearing a helmet and a cap during the assault, so it would have taken "multiple substantial strikes to the head" to cause the laceration.
Senior Constable Brady said police were concerned for the safety of the victim if Mr Roberts was released on bail.
Mr Roberts, who was representing himself in court, told the magistrate that he "lost his sh**" and "bashed" the victim.
Magistrate Susan Wakeling said she was satisfied with prosecution's evidence, and from Mr Roberts' evidence, that the risk to the victim was "too great" if the accused was granted bail.
Ms Wakeling said she would have Mr Roberts assessed for the Court Integrated Services Program, as he was an Aboriginal man in custody who had issues with drug use, mental health, and epilepsy.
The case was adjourned when Mr Roberts collapsed in the dock and was taken to hospital. The 33-year-old is due to return to the Bendigo Magistrates' Court next week.
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