Teen allegedly ambushes, stabs cop

A Melbourne teenager who allegedly attacked police with a knife after luring them to his home has been bailed for a hospital stay despite police opposition.

Moses Thurairajasingam, 18, was arrested outside his home in Cranbourne West on September 3 after allegedly stabbing Constable Jack Van Brummelen in the right leg.

Police allege the teenager called triple-0 to report a fake burglary, slashing at the constable with a 13cm knife seconds after he and his partner arrived shortly after 5pm.

It’s then alleged that Mr Thurairajasingam turned to the partner yelling “shoot me, shoot me, shoot me”, and he wanted to be shot so he could go to heaven.

He appeared in the Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday seeking bail to attend hospital after he was approved for a mental health inpatient assessment order.

The court was told he had been twice refused bail in the Magistrates’ Court but wanted to get help in a hospital setting after spending the past three weeks in custody.

His lawyer, Matthew Cramer, said Mr Thurairajasingam would be transferred by ambulance to hospital where it would be assessed if he was suitable for a 28-day compulsory stay.

“He wants to go to hospital and the idea he would abscond is quite remote,” he said.

Mr Cramer said clinical notes from the past 20 days in custody indicated that Mr Thurairajasingam was candid about his depression and schizophrenia diagnosis, compliant with authorities and wanted treatment.

Bail was strongly opposed by prosecutors who argued Mr Thurairajasingam still posed a risk and could flee Dandenong Hospital if he wanted to.

Asked if the condition that he remain under supervision would reduce concerns, Detective Senior Constable Adam Golding said” “I don’t see how they could stop him leaving if he wished to do so.”

The court was told Mr Thurairajasingam was a “bit of a recluse” and his family had no idea of what he allegedly planned to do.

His mother Angela Sundaram and elder sister Abigail Thurairajasingam gave undertakings to the court that they would supervise the accused man and report any breaches to police.

“He needs 24/7 monitoring now I feel,” Ms Sundaram said.

Justice Jane Dixon granted Mr Thurairajasingam bail under strict conditions that he be taken by ambulance to hospital and assessed for an involuntary inpatient program as soon as possible.

If he is found unsuitable, Mr Thurairajasingam will be required to remain under the supervision of hospital staff or family and brought back to court by 5pm on Thursday.

“This puts a significant obligation on his family members,” she said.
“No doubt you’re now aware to be vigilant in regards to Moses.”

When asked if he understood, Mr Thurairajasingam nodded.