Accused baby-killer may have medical issue

A father accused of murdering his seven-week-old baby may have an undiagnosed medical condition.

Joseph McDonald, 22, returned to the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday, two days after being charged over the death of his son Lucas McDonald.

It's McDonald's first time in custody and he should be handled as a vulnerable prisoner because of the nature of the offence, his lawyer Tony Hargreaves said.

McDonald, from Benalla in Victoria's northeast, allegedly killed his son in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton last Tuesday.

Police have said he handed himself in to police on Saturday and was charged.

Prosecutors have sought a neuropathologist's report which they expect to take up to three months to complete.

Mr Hargreaves requested McDonald receive medical assistance as soon as possible, noting he may have an undiagnosed medical condition.

Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz said McDonald could face court by videolink when he returns on March 30.