Lindon Luke Sekrst has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a man at Noarlunga Hospital in August last year. Picture: Facebook.
Source: Supplied
A MAN allegedly found with his foot on a fellow hospital patient’s neck has denied murdering him.
Defence lawyer Andrew English today asked the Adelaide Magistrates Court to release Lindon Luke Sekrst, 24, on home detention bail because his mental condition had stabilised and a case of self defence was open to him.
He said a psychologist report showed that Sekrst’s mental condition appeared to be drug-induced at the time of the death of his 43-year-old roommate at Noarlunga Hospital in August last year.
Mr English said that, since his arrest, Sekrst had abstained from drugs and his behaviour was no longer erratic.
“He has shown no symptoms for several months, no hallucinations, extreme ideas or other bizarre behaviours,” he said.
Mr English said Sekrst’s father would act as a guarantor and his mother, a health care worker, had agreed to provide 24-hour care for him.
The court has previously heard Sekrst had been moved into the Noarlunga Hospital room with the man, who allegedly died from neck compression, about six hours before the alleged murder, because he was suffering delusions, weight loss and paranoia.
It was alleged a nurse found Sekrst standing over the man with his foot across his mouth and neck.
The court also heard the man died from neck compression and had bruising on his face and scalp.
Prosecutor Julie Lake today said Sekrst had been “less than forthcoming” about his drug use before the incident and said it was inappropriate to release him to the same house where he was living prior to the man’s death.
“Clearly this is a serious matter and the safety of the community is paramount,” she said.
“An investigation is taking place and in my submission, returning the accused to exactly the same environment in the lead up to the alleged offence is clearly inappropriate.”
The state’s Chief Magistrate, Judge Elizabeth Bolton, declined to release Sekrst on bail.
“I have concerns over the clear and ongoing and extreme use of multiple drugs by Mr Sekrst, some of which certainly may have led to the events that brought him to court,” she said.
Sekrst pleaded not guilty to murder and will appear in the Supreme Court next month.
Noarlunga Hospital murder: Lindon Luke Sekrst pleads not guilty
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