East Albury stab victim almost hit in critical artery in his neck

The victim was disassembling a bed on Schubach Street with a co-worker about 10am on July 10 last year.

The District Court heard the victim went to retrieve a piece of furniture when Dushan James Lipohar tapped him on his shoulder while armed with two knives.

The man felt a sharp object penetrate his neck and fled inside, followed by Lipohar, who kicked at a locked door.

Lipohar went into a nearby unit, where he was arrested.

He appeared confused and disoriented and said he thought the victim had been there to rob him.

Lipohar was charged and was unintelligible when speaking to a lawyer before a court appearance a day after the stabbing.

A magistrate had to cut a video link to Lipohar in custody on July 11 due to him being highly distressed.

He later saw forensic psychiatrists for assessments.

Dr Adam Martin spoke to Lipohar on a video link to Long Bay jail in April this year and noted the accused man was dishevelled, perplexed, and his responses lacked coherence and logic.

He said Lipohar was unfit for trial, which Dr Richard Furst agreed with.

"He most likely stabbed the furniture delivery worker in response to psychotic phenomena, as there is no other plausible explanation for his actions," Dr Furst responded.

District Court Judge James Bennett found Lipohar would be unable to plead to the charges, understand the proceedings, follow the court case, and understand the evidence against him due to his schizophrenia.

The court heard his schizophrenia was chronic and resistant to treatment.

He was declared unfit to stand trial on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Lipohar remains in custody and will return to the Albury District Court on Friday, August 30.