Vic cop charged with murder was 'in fear'

A man allegedly murdered by a Melbourne policeman during a traffic stop was delusional and talking about painting Mel Gibson's portrait, a court has heard.

The evidence emerged in a committal hearing for former leading senior constable Timothy Howard Baker, who insists he was defending himself when he fired three bullets at 46-year-old Vlado Micetic in 2013, killing him.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court has been told a flick knife was found at the scene, but prosecutors say there is no evidence Mr Micetic was armed and allege Baker planted the knife.

Witness Evelina Niedzwiecki, who was in the car when Mr Micetic was pulled over, said she did not see any knife.

She described Mr Micetic as intoxicated and agitated in the lead up to being shot, and fighting with his partner over some missing ice.

Social worker John Barry said Mr Micetic had been diagnosed as schizophrenic and had shown signs of paranoia.

He said Mr Micetic believed a man he met in jail was killing people at random and he also mentioned having painted Mel Gibson's portrait.

Mr Micetic's personal carer had deemed it too dangerous to live with him and he was at risk of violent behaviour, alcohol and ice abuse, the court heard.

He had also called a mental health service, screaming and requesting to see a federal military doctor, Mr Barry said.

However, when Mr Barry interviewed Mr Micetic shortly before his death, he denied suicidal or murderous ideations.

"He kind of denied everything. He had a paranoid flavour about him. He could've been guarded about his delusions but none of them came out in the interview," Mr Barry said.

Baker maintains he was defending himself against Mr Micetic who was "menacing" him with a knife.

One of the officers who attended the scene, Sergeant Helen Poke, said Baker was quiet and shaken after the shooting, telling her: "I was in fear."

Another officer, Sergeant John Borg, said Baker was trembling and seemed despondent and confused, saying: "I just got one of the bracelets (handcuffs) on him, then he turned around and took a swipe at me".

Senior Sergeant Robert Hope reported that Baker told him Mr Micetic had resisted arrest attempts and produced a knife.

Baker told him he drew his firearm and fired three rounds at a distance so close, he may have been touching him.

Sergeant Rodney Giles said when he got to the scene, he saw a man lying on the road and Baker standing over him with a firearm in his hand pointed at him.

"He was calm and in control of the situation. He said, 'I shot him'."

The committal hearing continues on Wednesday.