Deaf murder-accused trio face Vic court

Theft charges against three deaf people accused of pushing another deaf man off a balcony to his death have been withdrawn in the Victorian Supreme Court.

Prosecutor Michele Williams said the theft charge against Jake Fairest of Boronia, Georgia Fields of Ferntree Gully, and Warwick Toohey of Ringwood was a distraction from the allegation they murdered Robert Wright, 36, a charge they have each pleaded not guilty to on the grounds of mental impairment.

"The murder is the major charge, we're not interested in the other one," Ms Williams told a hearing during which Justice Michael Croucher heard at least one of the accused may be unfit to stand trial.