The individual accused of a shocking daylight stabbing in Melbourne's central business district will be sent back to prison after a Supreme Court justice overturned a recent bail decision.
Bail granted and swiftly revoked
Lauren Darul, 33, who uses he/him pronouns, was granted bail this past Wednesday under strict conditions, primarily to access specialised medical treatment. However, Victorian Supreme Court Justice Rita Incerti revoked that bail during a hearing on Friday morning after prosecutors applied for the decision to be overturned.
Justice Incerti stated that fresh medical information provided to the court changed the situation. "Based on that material, I certainly agree the current plan that was proposed ... is not feasible and doesn't provide the protection I anticipated would be in place," she said.
Complex background and alleged attack
The court was told Darul has complex psychological issues, including ADHD, cognitive impairment, and schizophrenia, and is in the process of transitioning. He was allegedly on bail at the time of the October incident.
The alleged attack occurred on October 2 around 7:35 am on Little Bourke Street. Wan Lai, a 36-year-old sushi chef, was walking along the street when Darul allegedly ran up behind her and stabbed her in the upper body. The accused then fled the scene, leaving Lai crouched and injured on the footpath. She was taken to hospital with bleeding around her lung.
Police arrested Darul approximately 90 minutes later at his housing provider, Unison. A 10cm kitchen knife, allegedly used in the attack, was found. He has been charged with recklessly and intentionally causing injury and committing an offence while on bail.
Legal history and next steps
Darul's previous application for freedom was denied in November due to a significant history of breaching court orders, which includes 16 arrest warrants for failing to answer bail or appear in court.
Justice Incerti's original bail conditions required Darul to continue compulsory treatment at the Thomas Embling Hospital, a forensic mental health facility, until a bed became available at the Royal Melbourne Hospital's psychiatric unit. Once medical staff deemed his mental health adequately managed, he could have applied for bail again to be released into the community.
With the revocation, Justice Incerti told Darul that once hospital staff determine he is fit for discharge, he will be returned to prison. Darul is due to return to court in January.
