Mental health staff strain may delay trial

The murder trial of a former private school boy accused of stabbing a homeless man to death may be delayed because Victoria's forensic mental health service was over-stretched, a court has heard.

Crown prosecutors in the matter of Easton George Woodhead, 19, are considering whether they need a Forensicare report on the former Melbourne Grammar student, who has pleaded not guilty to murdering Morgan Wayne "Mousey" Perry in January last year.

The Crown told Victorian Supreme Court Judge Lex Lasry on Thursday that the next available date Woodhead could be assessed by Forensicare staff was September 15.

Forensicare, Victoria's institute for forensic mental health, would then need six to seven weeks to prepare a report, which would interfere with the scheduled trial start date of September 28, the Crown said.

Lawyers for Woodhead have previously said mental impairment would be an issue in the trial.

Defence barrister Michael Tovey QC told the court earlier this year that a report on Woodhead's mental state at the time of the incident shows indications of pre-existing psychosis.

On Thursday Mr Tovey said specific intent would also be an issue during the trial.

"Our position is that it's outrageous that the trial would be put back," Mr Tovey said on Thursday.

Justice Lasry adjourned the matter for a week, saying if an assessment could not be completed before September 15, a Forensicare representative would need to explain why.

"It just can't be the best they can do," Justice Lasry said.

Woodhead appeared via video link.

The matter was adjourned until May 29.