An individual accused of a random stabbing incident on a city street, targeting a woman on her way to work, will remain in custody after her attempt to secure bail was denied.
Lauren Darul, facing charges of reckless and intentional injury, alongside committing an offense while on bail, was seeking release after the alleged attack on Wan Lai in central Melbourne.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Timothy Bourke denied Darul’s bail request, highlighting her previous failures to adhere to bail conditions as a significant concern.
The 32-year-old was apprehended 90 minutes after the incident at her residence provided by Unison. Authorities found her with a 10cm silver kitchen knife, which is believed to have been used in the attack.
While Lai has been released from medical care and is recovering, she has chosen to move away due to the psychological distress caused by the proximity to the attack site.
The court also heard that Unison had issued Darul with an eviction notice should she be granted bail, citing potential risks to the community, other tenants, and staff members.
The crown prosecutor had opposed bail, citing an unacceptable risk to the community if she was released and her history of alleged bail breaches.
Darul’s lawyer argued that she had a range of services on hand to support her if she is released on bail to a hospital in-patient facility, which she said could ameliorate the risk of reoffending.
Darul will return to the court on January 20.
