The woman accused of stabbing a sushi chef in Melbourne’s CBD in broad daylight has been refused bail, with a magistrate citing an “unacceptable risk to the community”.
Lauren Darul, 33, applied for bail on Tuesday after being charged over the alleged stabbing of 36-year-old Wan Lai on Little Bourke St, near Spencer St, about 7.35am on October 2.
The court heard Darul had 19 outstanding matters before the court and was already on bail for some of them at the time of the alleged attack.
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CCTV footage shows Darul running up behind Lai, wielding a knife, before allegedly stabbing her in the right side of her chest.
Darul was charged with committing an indictable offence (intentionally cause injury) while on bail.
CCTV footage has emerged of the moment Wan Lai was allegedly stabbed in Melbourne’s CBD. Credit: 7NEWS
Darul, who has been homeless or living in unstable accommodation throughout her life and experiences bipolar and schizoaffective disorders, had a long history of substance use, including alcohol, methylamphetamine and ice.
“I want to clean up my life and stay off the drugs,” Darul told the court over video link on Tuesday.
“I don’t intend on going back on the ice.”
Deputy Chief Magistrate Timothy Bourke refused her bail application on Wednesday, noting her history of failing to appear while on bail and previous breaches.
Darul had a criminal history that dated back to 2016, including multiple charges of motor and shop thefts and failing to comply with bail conditions.
Lai wants her accused attacker to remain behind bars, First Constable Damian Elliott told the court.
She has been discharged from hospital and is recovering physically but has since relocated because of the ongoing psychological trauma of living close to where the alleged stabbing occurred.
Darul was on bail when she allegedly stabbed Lai. Credit: Supplied
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