A court was informed by a defense attorney that a man, accused of murdering two individuals during a child’s first birthday celebration, is currently experiencing drug withdrawal symptoms.

Joel Fitzgerald, aged 30, faces charges related to the fatal incident involving two men, aged 23 and 54, which occurred at a residence in Melbourne’s southeastern region on January 16.

Victoria Police reported that officers were dispatched to a Clyde North home following reports of a violent altercation, where they discovered the victims with stab wounds to their upper torsos.

The victims, Dieter and Karl Gruber, believed to be a father and son duo from Seaford, received emergency medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

According to Superintendent Janet Stevenson, approximately 20 guests were present at the birthday party when a disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, which then moved into the street.

Fitzgerald, who is currently without a permanent residence, was apprehended in Doveton just yesterday.

During a brief hearing today, his lawyer told Melbourne Magistrates Court her client was withdrawing from GHB and methamphetamine.

She said he also suffered from chest pain he believes may be from a pre-existing injury and had been prescribed an antidepressant.

Magistrate Carrie O’Shea granted the prosecution’s request for more time than usual to provide the hand-up brief due to transcripts involved.

Fitzgerald was not able to apply for bail and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance in April.