Homeless person accused of stabbing a stranger in broad daylight tries to make ANOTHER bid for freedom under ‘mental impairment’ defence
A homeless person accused of stabbing a stranger in the chest during Melbourne’s morning rush hour is preparing a fourth bid for freedom.
Lauren Darul, 33, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged over the alleged random stabbing of sushi chef Wan Lai, 36, on October 2 last year.
Police allege Darul plunged a knife into Ms Lai’s chest as she walked along Little Bourke Street at about 7.40am, in an attack that shocked Australia.
CCTV footage allegedly captured the moment Ms Lai was stabbed during the morning commute before the accused fled the scene.
The court previously heard Darul allegedly made no demands and carried out the attack without provocation while clutching a soccer ball and a knife.
Ms Lai suffered serious chest injuries, with doctors initially fearing the blade had punctured her lung.
‘I’m still recovering physically and emotionally, and I truly hope the justice system prioritises community safety,’ Ms Lai previously told Daily Mail.
The court previously heard in December that Darul now identified as a man, despite being detained at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Victoria’s female prison, at the time.
Accused knife attacker Lauren Darul, 33, appeared via videolink at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday as lawyers flagged a fourth bid for bail over the alleged CBD stabbing
CCTV allegedly captured the moment sushi chef Wan Lai was stabbed during the morning commute on Little Bourke Street in an attack that shocked Melbourne
On Wednesday, defence lawyers told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court they intend to lodge a fourth bail application, relying on a mental impairment defence in an attempt to secure Darul’s release from custody.
The court was told a mental impairment report had been commissioned, which could result in Darul being found not guilty by reason of mental impairment.
Not Darul’s first bid for freedom
Darul was arrested following the alleged attack on Ms Lai and appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 3, where bail was refused.
A second bail application on November 26 was also denied.
In December, however, Darul was granted bail and transferred to the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s psychiatric inpatient unit.
Justice Rita Incerti ruled that a plan proposed by Darul’s lawyers to transfer the accused to hospital for treatment – with the matter to return to court for review before any discharge – reduced the risk posed to the community.
Lauren Darul, 33, who now identifies as a man, remained silent during the brief court appearance as a fresh bail bid looms.
Sushi chef Wan Lai after her ordeal
However, that freedom lasted just two days before bail was revoked after fresh medical material was presented to the court, resulting in Darul being returned to custody.
The release had been opposed by Crown prosecutor Richard Pirrie, who argued the accused was receiving appropriate treatment in custody and could make a fresh bail application if circumstances changed.
At the December hearing the court heard Darul allegedly had a serious drug habit and used methamphetamines daily.
At the time of the alleged offence, Darul was so mentally unwell that the accused had begun referring to themselves as ‘The King of Australia’.
It also heard Darul has complex psychological issues, including ADHD, cognitive impairment and schizophrenia.
Prosecutors said Darul’s alleged behaviour had grown increasingly serious and random in the lead-up to the CBD attack.
The court heard Darul had a history of evading responsibility and disregarding court orders, but was still granted bail multiple times.
Darul had previously been subjected to 16 arrest warrants for failing to answer bail or appear on bail.
Dural also had nine prior guilty findings of failing to appear on bail since 2022 and eight findings of guilt for committing an indictable offence while on bail.
Darul will return to court on March 2.
