Victorian has royal aspirations
A VICTORIAN man wanted on multiple charges and arrested in Ipswich told the court he wanted to be referred to as Edward VIII.
Scott Edward Redpath, 43, from Ballarat East, in Victoria, allegedly stole a mother-of-three's car in Gippsland, east of Melbourne.
The vehicle allegedly had three boys aged between one and five inside, but Redpath let them out a short time later.
Redpath was arrested in Boonah on Thursday night after a police chase.
He has been charged with two counts each of serious assault on police, and one count of going armed to cause fear, assaulting police, wilful damage, failing to provide a breath specimen and four traffic offences.
At a court hearing on Friday Redpath refused to speak to a duty lawyer, and yesterday again remained tight-lipped.
He asked Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin to call him "Edward" and when asked why he wouldn't seek free legal advice he said "they have no thoughts on the matter".
The watchhouse police officer requested Redpath be restrained when he appeared in court yesterday. Redpath had handcuffs on his wrists and his feet were shackled, and he wore a short-sleeved checked shirt, navy shorts and had bare feet.
A mental health worker expressed grave concerns about Redpath's wellbeing, and Mr McLaughlin granted Redpath bail to stay at Ipswich Hospital for assessment.
He will next appear in court on July 16.
