Wajid Kakar has been charged with murder over an incident in Page earlier this year. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
A man will fight accusations he murdered Michael Williams in Page this year, with his legal team exploring a defence of not guilty by mental impairment.
Wajid Kakar, a 35-year-old Afghan national, has been charged with murder over the death of 34-year-old Mr Williams on 20 February and the attempted murder of two other people.
His case was heard in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday (29 April) where his lawyer, Dr Jan de Bruin from Legal Aid, said he was instructed to enter a plea of not guilty.
He said he was exploring a defence of not guilty by mental impairment.
Dr de Bruin confirmed Mr Kakar was still in Canberra Hospital, where he has been since his arrest.
Magistrate Beth Campbell remanded Mr Kakar in custody and adjourned the case to 8 July.
Originally, the AFP said officers were called to Braine Street over reports of a disturbance on 20 February.
A man who allegedly rushed towards police was tasered before they discovered the deceased man, Mr Williams.
In February, the AFP said three people, two men aged 28 and 35, and a 20-year-old woman were in hospital receiving treatment for injuries they received during this incident.
They confirmed the 35-year-old had been arrested.
“Police believe the [alleged] offender used at least two knives in the initial attack. A crime scene remains in place in Braine Street while the forensic investigation of the area continues,” the police said in February.
“More than 20 witnesses have already been interviewed by detectives and a search warrant has been executed at the residence where the dead man was located.”
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