A 63-year-old woman named Claudia Campomaya Watt was reportedly attacked from behind with a knife, leading to the suspect’s swift escape.
The teenager was apprehended at the shopping mall by vigilant bystanders and security personnel.
Campomaya Watt was urgently taken to the hospital, where she remained in critical condition and spent three days in intensive care.
This alarming incident led the Queensland government to extend the reach of its contentious “adult crime, adult time” legislation, encompassing more serious offenses such as attempted murder.
Today, the case resurfaced at the Ipswich Children’s Court, though the teenager was not required to be present.
A forensic psychiatric evaluation conducted by Dr. Michael Beech was prepared, and magistrate Grace Kahlert indicated the case would proceed to the Mental Health Court.
“Our office will consent to a short adjournment of two weeks to ensure a referral has in fact occurred,” crown prosecutor Ashleigh Wakefield said.
A criminal case can be referred to Queensland’s Mental Health Court over claims that the alleged offender is or was mentally ill, or has an intellectual disability.
The court decides whether an accused was of unsound mind when they committed the alleged offence and whether they are fit for trial.
The teen’s solicitor said she received the psychiatric report yesterday.
“There are then some extensive timeframes required by the (Legal Aid) mental health team process,” the solicitor said.
“In two weeks we should be in a position where we can confirm to (prosecutors) that the mental health team has it and the referral is underway.”
The teen allegedly used a knife stocked by Coles to attack Campomaya Watt.
Coles removed knives from sale at stores across Australia “out of an abundance of caution” after the stabbing.
Kahlert adjourned the matter to January 27 and remanded the teen in custody.
