Man accused of attacking One Nation volunteer was withdrawing from methamphetamine and hearing voices, court told
A man accused of attacking a One Nation volunteer was withdrawing from methamphetamine and hearing voices, court heard.
Kj Seumalu, 37, faced Geelong Magistrates' Court on Tuesday on serious assault charges following an incident outside a Torquay home on November 1. Seumalu's lawyer told the court he was withdrawing from methamphetamine.
He also had high blood pressure and a drinking problem. He was hearing voices.
Seumalu had no formal mental health diagnosis. He was not on medication.
He had dealt with depression and anxiety. Police say Seumalu attacked a One Nation volunteer with a blunt object.
He damaged campaign materials. The magistrate ordered Seumalu to see a custody nurse.
He was remanded until a committal mention on February 23 next year. Police said the incident was not political.
Why it mattersThe case shows mental health and drug issues may have caused a high-profile political incident. It raises questions about how we help offenders.
AustraliaOne of Australia's highest-profile recent assaults on a political volunteer, with mental health and drug withdrawal factors emerging as key.
