A terminally ill accused murderer has collapsed at his first Adelaide court appearance after not being given needed medication while in custody.
An ambulance was called to the Adelaide Magistrate’s Court after Antonio Spinotti, 57, fainted in the dock shortly after being escorted into the courtroom to face a charge of murdering Brandt Kay.
Mr Kay’s body was found in a Glenelg toilet block last December.
Spinotti’s lawyer, John Mattner, told the court on Thursday his client needed 16 pills each day for his hepatitis C and HIV but didn’t have them in custody.
“I suspect he may be in a coma,” Mr Mattner said.
“Mr Spinotti is in a serious condition for medical reasons. He’s tested positive for a number of issues such as hepatitis C and HIV and is currently on methadone.
“He has not has his medication for some time.”
However, Spinotti appeared to recover consciousness and was helped out of the dock by security guards after magistrate Phillip Broderick insisted he be given treatment.
Mr Mattner said that before Spinotti’s arrest on Tuesday night, his client had been a crown witness in the police investigation into Mr Kay’s murder.
Another man, Gregory Keith Klassen, 39, of Whyalla, pleaded not guilty to the murder earlier this month.
Related posts:
Views: 0