Kim Ramchen, a 37-year-old educator, is currently facing a series of charges, including reckless conduct endangering life, intentionally inflicting injury, and assault with a weapon, stemming from a stabbing incident that occurred last December.
Allegations against the Keysborough College teacher suggest that he took a knife from the school’s kitchen and proceeded to stab Principal Aaron Sykes after learning that his employment contract would not be extended.
Ramchen was scheduled to attend a hearing at the Dandenong Magistrates Court today through a video link from prison. However, he was absent from the brief session.
His attorney, Ruth Parker, indicated that despite his absence, Ramchen was fully informed about the proceedings, allowing them to continue without him.
Parker also mentioned that a psychological evaluation had been completed due to concerns regarding Ramchen’s mental health competency.
During a February hearing, it was disclosed that Ramchen had been diagnosed with autism, disorders within the schizophrenia spectrum, and PTSD. However, it was noted that he was not experiencing mental health issues while in custody.
At that time Parker raised concerns that he may not be fit to give her instructions on how to progress the matter.
She said today a fresh psychiatric report found he had “very serious issues”, but he was fit to give instructions and Ramchen had met with one of her staff yesterday.
“In those circumstances, Your Honour, what is proposed is that the matter be adjourned to a future date for plea hearing,” Parker told the court.
“We understand the matter is likely to resolve.”
Ramchen is yet to formally enter a plea of guilty.
Parker said she was in discussions with the prosecution about the plea, and she still needed to make a formal offer on what Ramchen will plead guilty to.
Magistrate Frances Medina set down a one-hour plea hearing for April 29 at the court in Dandenong, where Ramchen will face the court remotely from prison.
He is the son of former Price Is Right host Jacqui Ramchen who disappeared in 1992, with his late father charged over her killing until a magistrate found there was not enough evidence to commit him to trial.
Ramchen had taken on a parental role within the family after his mother disappeared and his father died from cancer when he was 14, his brother Lev told the court in December.
