Real estate agent charged with attempted murder awaiting psychiatric report, court hears

A Sydney real estate agent accused of attempting to murder a woman with a samurai sword in Annandale has had his committal date delayed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Karl Adon Howard, 44, was due to enter a plea over allegations he assaulted two young women, striking one with a samurai sword, after a night out drinking and taking drugs in February.

The former principal at Ray White Balmain has been in custody since his arrest and did not appear via video link on Tuesday.

His lawyer Jonathan Nigro told the court Mr Howard had been assessed by forensic psychiatrist Olav Nielsen for the defence.

The crown has also put forward an expert psychiatrist, but due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the initial appointment was cancelled, the court heard.

Mr Howard has now been assessed with the crown’s expert report “nearly finalised”.

Mr Nigro told the court if the doctors agree, a Local Court plea was likely. The conclusions drawn by Dr Nielsen were not made clear.

Police will allege Mr Howard punched a 27-year-old woman in the head before hitting her friend, 29, with a samurai sword as she attempted to intervene between the hours of 4.40am and 5.20am on February 8.

The court has previously been told that Mr Howard had allegedly taken Viagra, valium and cocaine and spent the night drinking before the incident at his Ferris Street house.

The two women, who cannot be identified, were taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and treated for injuries, police said at the time.

He was initially charged with wounding with intent to murder, assault occasioning bodily harm and trespassing.

Two further charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and recklessly causing grievous bodily harm were placed later.

Mr Howard is also subject to interim apprehended violence orders in respect to the two women.

The matter returns to court on October 12.