DPP to accept special verdict for mental health ward murder accused

Aleu Mapiou was accused of murdering Dusko Culibrk at the Canberra Hospital. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.

After a lengthy court process, prosecutors have announced they will agree to a special verdict in the case of a man accused of murdering a patient at the Canberra Hospital.

Aleu Mapiou, a then-18-year-old from Bonner, and 38-year-old Dusko Culibrk were both patients in the hospital’s Adult Mental Health Unit in November 2022.

When police arrived at the hospital early in the morning of 13 November, staff were attempting to revive Mr Culibrk. However, their efforts were unsuccessful and he died.

Police said the pair were not believed to have known each other outside of their hospital stay.

Mr Mapiou was accused of murdering Mr Culibrk, pleaded not guilty, then was committed for trial last year, with his two-week trial scheduled to start later this month.

However, the matter has been adjourned on several occasions in recent times while prosecutors have examined new material.

Then, on Tuesday (20 August), prosecutor Trent Hickey told the ACT Supreme Court that the prosecution would agree to a special verdict.

While the details of this special verdict were not stated in court, an example of such a verdict is when a person is found not guilty by reason of mental impairment.

Mr Hickey said he expected the lawyers to agree on documents to tender to the court next week.

Defence barrister Kieran Ginges said the trial could be vacated and he expected his client would be arraigned next week, then it would be up to a judge as to how the matter proceeded from there.

Registrar Jayne Reece noted prosecutors would agree to a special verdict and the matter would no longer proceed to a jury trial.

She listed the matter for a mention on Wednesday (21 August).