An 88-year-old dementia patient facing an attempted murder charge has been denied bail after his lawyer argued for his transfer to a public hospital.
Nicolaos Malandris, who has been remanded in custody since October, was seeking bail to be moved to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woodville, but Adelaide Magistrates Court rejected the application on Thursday, January 16.
Malandris’ lawyer, Vageli Dimou, argued that his client should not remain in supervised remand and described the case as “destined for the Supreme Court.” However, prosecutors opposed the move, citing concerns about the safety of other patients, and Magistrate Brian Nitschke agreed.
“At this stage, I’m not prepared to grant bail … his present location ensures his safety and the safety of the public and the alleged victim,” Magistrate Nitschke said.
Malandris, of Wingfield, is facing one count of attempted murder and one count of causing serious harm with intent following an incident in October 2024, in which he allegedly injured an 85-year-old woman known to him.
Dimou previously argued that Malandris could not receive his pension while in custody, which hindered his ability to be assessed and transferred to a more appropriate facility.
Prosecutors also noted that Malandris is subject to a “level three inpatient order,” which complicates his custodial status and any potential bail.
Dimou proposed alternative arrangements for bail, but Magistrate Nitschke refused, remanding Malandris in custody until his next court appearance in April.
Source: The Advertiser.
