A man who allegedly crashed a police car while handcuffed will undergo a psychiatric evaluation before he appears in Maitland Local Court today via video link.
Dean Phillip John Perry, 32, climbed into the front seat of the police car and tried to flee the scene of a domestic dispute while officers interviewed his partner, the court heard.
He was meant to face 10 charges in court yesterday, where police indicated that he was on crystal methamphetamine at the time of the incident.
“His problem is ice, not mental health,” police prosecutor Brad Winter told the court.
Solicitor Gillian Jewison appeared on Perry’s behalf to ask magistrate Alan Railton for an adjournment so that her client could undergo an assessment.
Ms Lewison told the court Perry’s instructions were brief and that he had mentioned self-harm.
Mr Railton said Perry faced an incredibly serious table of offences.
“I will make recommendations that he be treated in
custody and appear via [audio visual link] tomorrow [Tuesday],” Mr Railton said.
“I endorse the warrant that he may self-harm and that he undergo psychiatric assessment.”
Perry faces charges of common assault, armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, contravention of an apprehended violence order, driving without consent of the owner, driving in a manner dangerous, driving while disqualified, escaping police custody, and reckless wounding.
