Man in court over random Vic station punch

A country Victorian man has faced court over the random assault of a stranger on a Melbourne train platform.

Trent Desmond Ross, 38, appeared in the dock at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday charged with intentionally and recklessly causing injury to Marlon Sturgess on December 1.

Ross was arrested on December 7 over the alleged attack at Richmond station, when he is accused of punching Mr Sturgess who was on his mobile phone.

The Euroa man spoke with his lawyer twice during the brief hearing and she confirmed custody management issues had been recorded.

Ross has a psychiatric illness and is being treated for schizophrenia.

He did not apply for bail and is due to face court again, via videolink, on February 5.