Psychiatric probe for accused Vic murderer

A man charged with the bashing murder of a woman in an inner-Melbourne park is due to be assessed by a forensic psychiatrist.

Henry Richard Hammond, who is charged with killing 25-year-old Courtney Herron in May, appeared via video link during a brief committal mention in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday.

His lawyer, Tim Schocker, requested the matter be adjourned until November 27 to allow time for the psychiatrist's assessment.

"That requires some further exploration," Mr Schocker told the court.

Magistrate Franz Holzer accepted the proposal and twice passed on his condolences to family members of Ms Herron, including her parents, who were in court.

"I again extend my sympathies," he said.

Hammond remains in custody and appeared wearing a jacket, speaking only to confirm he understood the proceedings.

Ms Herron was found dead by dog walkers in Royal Park at Parkville on May 25, with injuries described by police as "horrendous".

She had been couch surfing and sleeping rough while struggling with drug and mental health issues at the time of her death.

Hammond was also homeless.

The court was told in May Hammond had a number of issues that would affect him in custody, including "a diagnosis of possible delusional disorder, possible autism spectrum disorder and historical diagnosis of ADHD".

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