A suspect accused of a random, daylight stabbing in Melbourne's CBD will be released from custody after a Supreme Court hearing was told she now identifies as a man.
Details of the Alleged Attack and Bail Hearing
Lauren Darul, 32, faces charges for allegedly stabbing 36-year-old sushi chef Wan Lai in the chest on Little Bourke Street in October. The attack occurred around 7.40am as Ms Lai was walking to work. Police allege Darul, clutching a soccer ball and a knife, made no demands before plunging the blade into the victim's chest and fleeing the scene.
During a bail hearing on Wednesday, the Supreme Court of Victoria heard that Darul, who was being held in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre women's prison, now identifies as a man and uses he/him pronouns. Represented by prominent barrister Julian McMahon SC, whose services are funded by the Victorian taxpayer, Darul successfully applied for bail.
Mr McMahon argued that his client's risk to the community could be reduced to an 'acceptable level' by releasing him into the care of a mental hospital for treatment.
A History of Instability and Prior Offences
The court was presented with a troubling history of Darul's behaviour and mental state. It heard he had a serious methamphetamine habit, allegedly using the drug daily. At the time of the alleged stabbing, Darul was reportedly so unstable he had begun referring to himself as 'The King of Australia'.
Prosecutor Richard Pirrie strongly opposed bail, detailing a pattern of escalating and random offences. He told the court Darul had a history of evading court orders, with 16 arrest warrants issued for failing to answer bail. Since 2022, Darul had nine prior findings of guilt for failing to appear on bail and eight for committing indictable offences while on bail.
'The offending was increasing in its seriousness while (he) was out in the community,' Mr Pirrie stated. 'And randomness... they are people who have no reason to be a victim.'
Victim's Plea and Path to Release
The alleged victim, Wan Lai, who suffered serious chest injuries that doctors feared had punctured a lung, pleaded with the court to keep Darul imprisoned. 'I’m still recovering physically and emotionally, and I truly hope the justice system prioritises community safety,' Ms Lai told the Daily Mail after an earlier bail application.
Despite this, Justice Rita Incerti granted bail. The court heard Darul had already been transferred to Thomas Embling Hospital on December 11 and was expected to start new antipsychotic medication. A condition of bail is that he remains in hospital until medical staff are satisfied his mental health conditions are being effectively managed.
The court also noted that Unity Housing, which provided Darul's accommodation before the incident, had issued an eviction notice, a matter likely to be challenged at tribunal. Lauren Darul is scheduled to appear at the County Court of Victoria next year.
