Latest news with #Ludbrook
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Wheelchair user walked naked before stabbing woman
A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair because of his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely before Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then pulled his pants down, stood up and began walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook continued to walk around the home naked as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. The carer re-entered the room and saw Ms Baker lying on the floor with Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing her. Ms Davison tried to pull him away but he kicked out and thrust the knife in her direction, although he did not make contact. Ludbrook kept saying Ms Baker "could be clean again", Ms Davison told the jury. "I tried to pull (Ludbrook) away and he stopped lunging at her, looked at me and said: 'Why wouldn't you sleep with me? See what you've done'," Ms Davison said. She ran out of the room and rang triple-zero and police and paramedics were dispatched. Ms Davison said she saw Ludbrook come out of the bedroom covered in blood and with some of his organs hanging out of his torso. She went to check on Ms Baker and found her unresponsive on the floor, covered in blood. The trial continues on Wednesday. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair because of his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely before Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then pulled his pants down, stood up and began walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook continued to walk around the home naked as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. The carer re-entered the room and saw Ms Baker lying on the floor with Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing her. Ms Davison tried to pull him away but he kicked out and thrust the knife in her direction, although he did not make contact. Ludbrook kept saying Ms Baker "could be clean again", Ms Davison told the jury. "I tried to pull (Ludbrook) away and he stopped lunging at her, looked at me and said: 'Why wouldn't you sleep with me? See what you've done'," Ms Davison said. She ran out of the room and rang triple-zero and police and paramedics were dispatched. Ms Davison said she saw Ludbrook come out of the bedroom covered in blood and with some of his organs hanging out of his torso. She went to check on Ms Baker and found her unresponsive on the floor, covered in blood. The trial continues on Wednesday. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair because of his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely before Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then pulled his pants down, stood up and began walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook continued to walk around the home naked as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. The carer re-entered the room and saw Ms Baker lying on the floor with Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing her. Ms Davison tried to pull him away but he kicked out and thrust the knife in her direction, although he did not make contact. Ludbrook kept saying Ms Baker "could be clean again", Ms Davison told the jury. "I tried to pull (Ludbrook) away and he stopped lunging at her, looked at me and said: 'Why wouldn't you sleep with me? See what you've done'," Ms Davison said. She ran out of the room and rang triple-zero and police and paramedics were dispatched. Ms Davison said she saw Ludbrook come out of the bedroom covered in blood and with some of his organs hanging out of his torso. She went to check on Ms Baker and found her unresponsive on the floor, covered in blood. The trial continues on Wednesday. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair because of his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely before Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then pulled his pants down, stood up and began walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook continued to walk around the home naked as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. The carer re-entered the room and saw Ms Baker lying on the floor with Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing her. Ms Davison tried to pull him away but he kicked out and thrust the knife in her direction, although he did not make contact. Ludbrook kept saying Ms Baker "could be clean again", Ms Davison told the jury. "I tried to pull (Ludbrook) away and he stopped lunging at her, looked at me and said: 'Why wouldn't you sleep with me? See what you've done'," Ms Davison said. She ran out of the room and rang triple-zero and police and paramedics were dispatched. Ms Davison said she saw Ludbrook come out of the bedroom covered in blood and with some of his organs hanging out of his torso. She went to check on Ms Baker and found her unresponsive on the floor, covered in blood. The trial continues on Wednesday. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Man walked naked, thanked colours before stabbing woman
A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save the animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely in the lead-up to Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request for her to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook then started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She told the jury she refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then proceeded to pull his pants down, stand up and begin walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps. "It was something that was going to be exciting and triumphant but it didn't feel like that." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook, who was still naked, continued to walk around the home as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker also came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. Ms Baker died at the scene after suffering multiple stab wounds, including two to her chest. The trial before Justice John Champion continues. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save the animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely in the lead-up to Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request for her to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook then started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She told the jury she refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then proceeded to pull his pants down, stand up and begin walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps. "It was something that was going to be exciting and triumphant but it didn't feel like that." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook, who was still naked, continued to walk around the home as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker also came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. Ms Baker died at the scene after suffering multiple stab wounds, including two to her chest. The trial before Justice John Champion continues. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save the animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely in the lead-up to Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request for her to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook then started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She told the jury she refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then proceeded to pull his pants down, stand up and begin walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps. "It was something that was going to be exciting and triumphant but it didn't feel like that." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook, who was still naked, continued to walk around the home as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker also came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. Ms Baker died at the scene after suffering multiple stab wounds, including two to her chest. The trial before Justice John Champion continues. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save the animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely in the lead-up to Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request for her to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook then started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She told the jury she refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then proceeded to pull his pants down, stand up and begin walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps. "It was something that was going to be exciting and triumphant but it didn't feel like that." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook, who was still naked, continued to walk around the home as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker also came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. Ms Baker died at the scene after suffering multiple stab wounds, including two to her chest. The trial before Justice John Champion continues. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Perth Now
Man walked naked, thanked colours before stabbing woman
A killer walked around naked and told his carer she needed to sleep with him to save the animals in the hour before he stabbed a woman to death, a jury has been told. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his neurological condition, admits he killed his friend Autumn Baker at his home in Melbourne's west on August 3, 2023. But he has pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming his mind was altered by the illicit drug PCE and he had no control of his actions. Amber Davison, Ludbrook's in-home carer at the time, told the jury in his murder trial he had been acting strangely in the lead-up to Ms Baker's death. Ms Davison arrived at Ludbrook's house about 8.30am on August 3 and they chatted normally for some time before he went into his bedroom. Ludbrook then repeatedly called out for Ms Davison, making an unusual request for her to give him a $50 note as quickly as she could. She returned with the note and he told her to close the door and turn off the lights because he had to be in the dark. Ms Davison told the jury Ludbrook then started thanking different colours, except grey, and described how he needed to save animals and thousands of people. He then urged her to give him high fives and say hallelujah as their palms connected, before he grabbed the $50 note and began rubbing it on his bare chest. Ms Davison said Ludbrook then told her they had to sleep together because they had to save the animals. She told the jury she refused his request and chuckled a bit because she was so shocked by his behaviour. He then proceeded to pull his pants down, stand up and begin walking. "Obviously I was shocked," Ms Davison told the jury on Tuesday. "The whole time caring for him and him going to physiotherapy, there was a whole focus on three steps and then five steps. "It was something that was going to be exciting and triumphant but it didn't feel like that." Videos Ms Davison took that morning were played to the jury, showing Ludbrook standing naked in his backyard. She said he walked in and outside the house for about 90 minutes before Ms Baker arrived. "She had been trying to contact him earlier in the morning and firstly he didn't respond and then his phone was off so she came to do a welfare check," Ms Davison said. Ludbrook, who was still naked, continued to walk around the home as the two women discussed what they should do. He then grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen and went to his room, where he began stabbing himself in the abdomen. Ms Davison told the jury she followed and tried to stop him, before Ms Baker also came in to help. Ms Davison left the room briefly to grab her phone to call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. "She sounded terrified and she essentially was calling out for me not to leave her," Ms Davison told the jury through tears. Ms Baker died at the scene after suffering multiple stab wounds, including two to her chest. The trial before Justice John Champion continues. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Accused murderer claims drug altered his state of mind
A man with a neurological condition that limits his ability to move claims he was not in the right state of mind when he stabbed a woman to death. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his transverse myelitis, took the illicit drug PCE on the morning of August 3, 2023, before he allegedly murdered Autumn Baker. Ms Baker, one of Ludbrook's friends, had arrived at his Hoppers Crossing home in Melbourne's west about 1pm after he did not respond to her messages. Ludbrook's carer answered the door and the two women went inside to find the 53-year-old naked and standing in the doorway of his bedroom. The carer reported Ludbrook had been acting irrationally all morning and as they discussed what to do next, Ludbrook entered the kitchen and grabbed a steak knife. He walked back to his room and when the carer followed, she found him lying on his bed and sticking the knife into his abdomen. The carer yelled at him to stop and Ms Baker also came in, with the two women attempting to pull the knife off him. The carer left the room to grab her phone and call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. The woman returned to find Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing Ms Baker, who was on her back on the floor. Ludbrook thrust the knife in the carer's direction as the woman tried to stop him, so she moved away to speak to the triple-zero call taker. Ludbrook then came out of the room naked and covered in blood so the woman ran from the house. When police arrived, Ludbrook - who was still naked - ran to the backyard but they managed to restrain him. More officers arrived to find Ms Baker's unresponsive body in the bedroom and despite attempts at resuscitation, she died at the scene. Ludbrook, who was hospitalised after the alleged murder, was found to have the drug PCE in his system. He does not deny he caused Ms Baker's death but his barrister told a Victorian Supreme Court jury her client was not in control of his actions at the time. Barrister Emily Clark said Ludbrook had taken PCE on the morning of Ms Baker's death to manage the pain from his neurological condition. But she argued his state of mind was so altered by the drug that he could not have consciously, deliberately or voluntarily carried out the killing. It was also disputed that Ludbrook held an intention to kill Ms Baker or cause her really serious injury, Ms Clark said. Intention and state of mind are two elements of murder the jury must consider before returning a verdict. Crown prosecutor Jim Shaw told jurors Ludbrook's actions were conscious and deliberate so they could find him guilty of murder. During his opening address, Mr Shaw played body-worn camera footage from the officer who discovered Ms Baker's body. He also tendered autopsy photos, which he said showed two fatal stab wounds to Ms Baker's chest, as well as several other wounds to her arms, hands and face. The trial before Justice John Champion continues. A man with a neurological condition that limits his ability to move claims he was not in the right state of mind when he stabbed a woman to death. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his transverse myelitis, took the illicit drug PCE on the morning of August 3, 2023, before he allegedly murdered Autumn Baker. Ms Baker, one of Ludbrook's friends, had arrived at his Hoppers Crossing home in Melbourne's west about 1pm after he did not respond to her messages. Ludbrook's carer answered the door and the two women went inside to find the 53-year-old naked and standing in the doorway of his bedroom. The carer reported Ludbrook had been acting irrationally all morning and as they discussed what to do next, Ludbrook entered the kitchen and grabbed a steak knife. He walked back to his room and when the carer followed, she found him lying on his bed and sticking the knife into his abdomen. The carer yelled at him to stop and Ms Baker also came in, with the two women attempting to pull the knife off him. The carer left the room to grab her phone and call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. The woman returned to find Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing Ms Baker, who was on her back on the floor. Ludbrook thrust the knife in the carer's direction as the woman tried to stop him, so she moved away to speak to the triple-zero call taker. Ludbrook then came out of the room naked and covered in blood so the woman ran from the house. When police arrived, Ludbrook - who was still naked - ran to the backyard but they managed to restrain him. More officers arrived to find Ms Baker's unresponsive body in the bedroom and despite attempts at resuscitation, she died at the scene. Ludbrook, who was hospitalised after the alleged murder, was found to have the drug PCE in his system. He does not deny he caused Ms Baker's death but his barrister told a Victorian Supreme Court jury her client was not in control of his actions at the time. Barrister Emily Clark said Ludbrook had taken PCE on the morning of Ms Baker's death to manage the pain from his neurological condition. But she argued his state of mind was so altered by the drug that he could not have consciously, deliberately or voluntarily carried out the killing. It was also disputed that Ludbrook held an intention to kill Ms Baker or cause her really serious injury, Ms Clark said. Intention and state of mind are two elements of murder the jury must consider before returning a verdict. Crown prosecutor Jim Shaw told jurors Ludbrook's actions were conscious and deliberate so they could find him guilty of murder. During his opening address, Mr Shaw played body-worn camera footage from the officer who discovered Ms Baker's body. He also tendered autopsy photos, which he said showed two fatal stab wounds to Ms Baker's chest, as well as several other wounds to her arms, hands and face. The trial before Justice John Champion continues. A man with a neurological condition that limits his ability to move claims he was not in the right state of mind when he stabbed a woman to death. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his transverse myelitis, took the illicit drug PCE on the morning of August 3, 2023, before he allegedly murdered Autumn Baker. Ms Baker, one of Ludbrook's friends, had arrived at his Hoppers Crossing home in Melbourne's west about 1pm after he did not respond to her messages. Ludbrook's carer answered the door and the two women went inside to find the 53-year-old naked and standing in the doorway of his bedroom. The carer reported Ludbrook had been acting irrationally all morning and as they discussed what to do next, Ludbrook entered the kitchen and grabbed a steak knife. He walked back to his room and when the carer followed, she found him lying on his bed and sticking the knife into his abdomen. The carer yelled at him to stop and Ms Baker also came in, with the two women attempting to pull the knife off him. The carer left the room to grab her phone and call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. The woman returned to find Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing Ms Baker, who was on her back on the floor. Ludbrook thrust the knife in the carer's direction as the woman tried to stop him, so she moved away to speak to the triple-zero call taker. Ludbrook then came out of the room naked and covered in blood so the woman ran from the house. When police arrived, Ludbrook - who was still naked - ran to the backyard but they managed to restrain him. More officers arrived to find Ms Baker's unresponsive body in the bedroom and despite attempts at resuscitation, she died at the scene. Ludbrook, who was hospitalised after the alleged murder, was found to have the drug PCE in his system. He does not deny he caused Ms Baker's death but his barrister told a Victorian Supreme Court jury her client was not in control of his actions at the time. Barrister Emily Clark said Ludbrook had taken PCE on the morning of Ms Baker's death to manage the pain from his neurological condition. But she argued his state of mind was so altered by the drug that he could not have consciously, deliberately or voluntarily carried out the killing. It was also disputed that Ludbrook held an intention to kill Ms Baker or cause her really serious injury, Ms Clark said. Intention and state of mind are two elements of murder the jury must consider before returning a verdict. Crown prosecutor Jim Shaw told jurors Ludbrook's actions were conscious and deliberate so they could find him guilty of murder. During his opening address, Mr Shaw played body-worn camera footage from the officer who discovered Ms Baker's body. He also tendered autopsy photos, which he said showed two fatal stab wounds to Ms Baker's chest, as well as several other wounds to her arms, hands and face. The trial before Justice John Champion continues. A man with a neurological condition that limits his ability to move claims he was not in the right state of mind when he stabbed a woman to death. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his transverse myelitis, took the illicit drug PCE on the morning of August 3, 2023, before he allegedly murdered Autumn Baker. Ms Baker, one of Ludbrook's friends, had arrived at his Hoppers Crossing home in Melbourne's west about 1pm after he did not respond to her messages. Ludbrook's carer answered the door and the two women went inside to find the 53-year-old naked and standing in the doorway of his bedroom. The carer reported Ludbrook had been acting irrationally all morning and as they discussed what to do next, Ludbrook entered the kitchen and grabbed a steak knife. He walked back to his room and when the carer followed, she found him lying on his bed and sticking the knife into his abdomen. The carer yelled at him to stop and Ms Baker also came in, with the two women attempting to pull the knife off him. The carer left the room to grab her phone and call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. The woman returned to find Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing Ms Baker, who was on her back on the floor. Ludbrook thrust the knife in the carer's direction as the woman tried to stop him, so she moved away to speak to the triple-zero call taker. Ludbrook then came out of the room naked and covered in blood so the woman ran from the house. When police arrived, Ludbrook - who was still naked - ran to the backyard but they managed to restrain him. More officers arrived to find Ms Baker's unresponsive body in the bedroom and despite attempts at resuscitation, she died at the scene. Ludbrook, who was hospitalised after the alleged murder, was found to have the drug PCE in his system. He does not deny he caused Ms Baker's death but his barrister told a Victorian Supreme Court jury her client was not in control of his actions at the time. Barrister Emily Clark said Ludbrook had taken PCE on the morning of Ms Baker's death to manage the pain from his neurological condition. But she argued his state of mind was so altered by the drug that he could not have consciously, deliberately or voluntarily carried out the killing. It was also disputed that Ludbrook held an intention to kill Ms Baker or cause her really serious injury, Ms Clark said. Intention and state of mind are two elements of murder the jury must consider before returning a verdict. Crown prosecutor Jim Shaw told jurors Ludbrook's actions were conscious and deliberate so they could find him guilty of murder. During his opening address, Mr Shaw played body-worn camera footage from the officer who discovered Ms Baker's body. He also tendered autopsy photos, which he said showed two fatal stab wounds to Ms Baker's chest, as well as several other wounds to her arms, hands and face. The trial before Justice John Champion continues.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
Accused murderer claims drug altered his state of mind
A man with a neurological condition that limits his ability to move claims he was not in the right state of mind when he stabbed a woman to death. Mark Ludbrook, who uses a wheelchair due to his transverse myelitis, took the illicit drug PCE on the morning of August 3, 2023, before he allegedly murdered Autumn Baker. Ms Baker, one of Ludbrook's friends, had arrived at his Hoppers Crossing home in Melbourne's west about 1pm after he did not respond to her messages. Ludbrook's carer answered the door and the two women went inside to find the 53-year-old naked and standing in the doorway of his bedroom. The carer reported Ludbrook had been acting irrationally all morning and as they discussed what to do next, Ludbrook entered the kitchen and grabbed a steak knife. He walked back to his room and when the carer followed, she found him lying on his bed and sticking the knife into his abdomen. The carer yelled at him to stop and Ms Baker also came in, with the two women attempting to pull the knife off him. The carer left the room to grab her phone and call triple zero when she heard Ms Baker scream. The woman returned to find Ludbrook repeatedly stabbing Ms Baker, who was on her back on the floor. Ludbrook thrust the knife in the carer's direction as the woman tried to stop him, so she moved away to speak to the triple-zero call taker. Ludbrook then came out of the room naked and covered in blood so the woman ran from the house. When police arrived, Ludbrook - who was still naked - ran to the backyard but they managed to restrain him. More officers arrived to find Ms Baker's unresponsive body in the bedroom and despite attempts at resuscitation, she died at the scene. Ludbrook, who was hospitalised after the alleged murder, was found to have the drug PCE in his system. He does not deny he caused Ms Baker's death but his barrister told a Victorian Supreme Court jury her client was not in control of his actions at the time. Barrister Emily Clark said Ludbrook had taken PCE on the morning of Ms Baker's death to manage the pain from his neurological condition. But she argued his state of mind was so altered by the drug that he could not have consciously, deliberately or voluntarily carried out the killing. It was also disputed that Ludbrook held an intention to kill Ms Baker or cause her really serious injury, Ms Clark said. Intention and state of mind are two elements of murder the jury must consider before returning a verdict. Crown prosecutor Jim Shaw told jurors Ludbrook's actions were conscious and deliberate so they could find him guilty of murder. During his opening address, Mr Shaw played body-worn camera footage from the officer who discovered Ms Baker's body. He also tendered autopsy photos, which he said showed two fatal stab wounds to Ms Baker's chest, as well as several other wounds to her arms, hands and face. The trial before Justice John Champion continues.
