Home / Crime and Justice / Teacher's Mental State Halts Stabbing Trial
Teacher's Mental State Halts Stabbing Trial
17 Feb
Summary
- Teacher claims mental illness prevents him from facing trial.
- Psychologist diagnosed autism, schizophrenia, and PTSD.
- Forensicare rejected an inpatient assessment order.
Kim Ramchen, 37, faces charges for allegedly stabbing Keysborough Secondary School principal Aaron Sykes in December of last year, following the non-renewal of his contract. Ramchen's defense contends he is unfit to stand trial due to severe mental health issues, including diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenic spectrum disorder with psychotic symptoms, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Despite initial indications of mental impairment, Forensicare, the state's mental health service, declined an inpatient assessment, stating Ramchen did not meet the criteria. This decision has led the defense to pursue assessments from private doctors, a process that could take up to six weeks. Ramchen's lawyer expressed reluctance to proceed without a doctor's clearance on his mental fitness to provide legal instructions.
During a previous bail hearing in December, his bid failed as the magistrate deemed him an 'extreme' re-offending risk, citing a lack of psychological evidence. Police allege Ramchen confessed to "snapping" over his job loss, describing his actions as "incredibly violent" and uncontrollable. He is scheduled to return to court in April.
