Flinders St accused 'withdrawing from drug addiction'

The man accused of mowing down pedestrians in Melbourne's CBD days before Christmas may have psychiatric illness, a court heard today.

Saeed Noori, an Afghan refugee and Australian citizen with a history of drug and mental health problems, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court today seated between two prison guards.

The 32-year-old is charged with 18 counts of attempted murder and one of conduct endangering life.

He looked down for most of the hearing, but nodded at the magistrate when spoken to.

Prosecutors asked for longer than usual to serve a brief of evidence on the defence, which will include CCTV footage.

Noori's lawyer Tass Antos said his client's mental impairment and fitness to plea will be considered in his case.

Noori was remanded in custody until his committal mention on May 30.

Police will have to provide a brief of evidence to Noori's solicitors by April 18.

Twenty people were hospitalised, including the alleged driver and the off duty police officer who arrested him, after a white SUV ploughed through pedestrians crossing Flinders Street on December 21.

Magistrate John Hardy noted Noori was withdrawing from drug addiction, that he may have psychiatric and other illnesses and was taking medication for people with mental health issues.

"It's important that you continue to take your medications," he said.

"Do you understand that?"

Noori replied, "Yes, Your Honour."

The magistrate ordered Noori be seen by Forensicare as soon as possible.