By Casey Neill At Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
A Dandenong resident elected not to appear at a court hearing into charges over an incident on an international flight last night.
Lawyer Tess Dunsford, appearing on behalf of Manodh Marks, told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that “it’s his preference” not to be present at the Thursday afternoon hearing.
Magistrate Suzanne Cameron also heard that the Sri Lankan national, 25, had been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft and making threats or false statements.
The charges related to an incident on Malaysian Airlines flight MH128 from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ms Dunsford made no application for bail on her client’s behalf but said it was Mr Marks’ first time in custody and he had concerns for his safety based on his age and appearance.
Magistrate Cameron questioned why his age would affect him, and whether he had any physical characteristics that would affect his time in custody.
“Is there something peculiar?” she said.
Ms Dunsford was unable to elaborate.
“He does have concerns for his safety in custody,” she said.
“He needs to see a mental health nurse urgently.
“I believe he does suffer from psychiatric illness.”
Magistrate Cameron remanded Mr Marks to appear at a mention hearing on 24 August.
Police said the charges related to offences against the Commonwealth Crime Aviation Act of 1991 and allegations that a man tried to enter the cockpit of an aircraft and threatened the safety of passengers and staff.
