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Psychiatrist Retracts Claim on Bondi Stabbing Suspect’s Motivation

Dr A, who treated Joel Cauchi, withdraws testimony suggesting the attack stemmed from sexual frustration and hatred of women, aligning with expert findings of psychosis.

Overview

  • Dr A, the psychiatrist who treated Joel Cauchi from 2012 to 2020, retracted her claim that his 2024 Bondi Junction stabbing spree was motivated by sexual frustration and misogyny.
  • She acknowledged her earlier statements were speculative and inconsistent with the unanimous expert conclusion that Cauchi was 'floridly psychotic' during the attack.
  • The inquest has highlighted systemic failures in mental health care, including Dr A's decision to cease Cauchi's antipsychotic medication in 2019 and inadequate follow-up after his move to Brisbane in 2020.
  • Dr A faced intense cross-examination regarding her handling of Cauchi’s care, including her failure to provide a full clinical handover to his new doctors, which left them unaware of his deteriorating mental state.
  • The coronial inquest continues, with upcoming testimonies expected to address gaps in care coordination and the broader implications for mental health system reforms.