R v Stimson - [2025] SASC 137

SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
(Criminal)

R v STIMSON
Criminal Trial by Judge Alone
[2025] SASC 137
Reasons for the Orders of the Honourable Justice McDonald
28 August 2025
CRIMINAL LAW - PARTICULAR OFFENCES - OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON - HOMICIDE - MURDER
CRIMINAL LAW - GENERAL MATTERS - CRIMINAL LIABILITY AND CAPACITY - DEFENCE MATTERS - INSANITY AND MENTAL IMPAIRMENT
The defendant was charged with the offences of murder and attempted murder, arising out of his conduct on 16 November 2023. The defendant’s counsel entered pleas of not guilty on his behalf to both counts, pursuant to s 269W of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) ('the CLCA’). Two reports, that had been prepared by a psychiatrist, concluded that the defendant had a mental incompetence defence available to him, due to being profoundly affected by psychosis, which was a product of schizophrenia.
The Court ordered an investigation into whether the defendant was mentally incompetent to have committed the offences and whether he was mentally unfit to stand trial under Part 8A of the CLCA. This required that a further two psychiatrists examined the defendant.
The defendant elected for trial by Judge alone. Having received those additional reports, on 22 April 2025 an order was made pursuant to s 269E of the CLCA that the defendant’s mental competence to commit the offences should be investigated and heard separate from the remainder of the trial.
Counsel agreed to dispense with an investigation into the defendant’s mental competence and record a finding that he was mentally incompetent to commit the offences. Counsel for the defendant conceded on the defendant’s behalf that the objective elements of the offences had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.
The Court found that:
1. On the balance of probabilities, the defendant was mentally incompetent to commit the offences of murder and attempted murder pursuant to s 269F A(5) of the CLCA;
2.   The objective elements of murder and attempted murder had been proved beyond reasonable doubt;
3. Pursuant to s 269F B(3) of the CLCA, the defendant was not guilty of the offences of murder and attempted murder by way of mental incompetence and was declared liable to supervision under div 4, sub-div 2 of the CLCA.
Prior to fixing a limiting term, the following orders were made, as required under s 269Q of the CLCA:
1.   A psychiatric report be prepared, addressing the mental condition of the defendant, detailing his diagnosis, prognosis and suggested treatment plan, and the possible effects of the proposed action;
2. A report ascertaining the views of the victims, the victims’ next of kin, and the defendant’s next of kin pursuant to s 269R of the CLCA.
Pursuant to s 269O of the CLCA, the Court ultimately held:
1.   That the limiting term of life be fixed;
2.   That the defendant be committed to detention.
Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) ss 11, 269C, 269E, 269F, 269H, 269O, 269Q, 269R, 269T, 269W, 269WA, 270A, referred to.

R v STIMSON
[2025] SASC 137
Criminal: Trial by Judge Alone
McDONALD J:

Jaydn Harley Stimson was charged with the offences of murder[1] and attempted murder.[2]
[1] Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 11.
[2] Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 11 and s 270A.
On the evening of 16 November 2023, Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig (‘Sergeant Doig’), Sergeant Michael Hutchinson and Constable Rebekah Cass, attended at Mr Stimson’s residence at 1528 Senior Road, Senior, as part of their duties as serving police officers. Upon their arrival, Mr Stimson discharged a shotgun at Sergeant Doig which resulted in injuries that led to his death at the scene of the shooting. Mr Stimson also discharged the shotgun at Sergeant Hutchinson resulting in him sustaining serious injuries.
Overview of Supreme Court proceedings
On 9 September 2024, Mr Stimson first appeared in this Court, and pursuant to s 269W of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) (‘the CLCA’) his counsel entered pleas of not guilty on his behalf to both counts on the Information.
Two reports had been prepared by Dr Owen Haeney addressing the question of Mr Stimson’s mental competence to commit the offences with which he had been charged. [3] In both reports, Dr Haeney expressed the view that Mr Stimson had a mental incompetence defence available to him. At the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions (‘the Director’), I ordered that Mr Simpson undergo examinations by two further psychiatrists, and that the results of the examinations be reported to the Court.[4] The reports were to address both the questions of whether Mr Stimson was mentally incompetent to have committed the offences[5] and whether he was mentally unfit to stand trial.[6]
[3]    1 March 2024 and 28 June 2024.
[4]    Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 269WA.
[5]    Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 269C.
[6]    Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 269H.
Mr Stimson elected for his trial to be heard by a Judge, without a jury.
Having received those reports, on 22 April 2025, I made an order pursuant to s 269E of the CLCA that Mr Stimson’s mental competence to commit the offences should be investigated and heard separate from the remainder of the trial.
It was agreed by counsel that I proceeded to deal first with the question of whether Mr Stimson was mentally incompetent to commit the offences. It was further agreed by counsel that pursuant to s 269F A(5) of the CLCA, I should dispense with an investigation into Mr Stimson’s mental competence and record a finding that he was mentally incompetent to commit the offences. Based on the psychiatric reports that had been provided, I agreed to that course. I made a finding that, on the balance of probabilities, Mr Stimson was mentally incompetent to commit the offences of murder and attempted murder, on the basis that his thinking and judgement were profoundly affected by psychosis, such that he was unable to reason whether his conduct, as perceived by reasonable people, was wrong. At the time that I made that finding, I indicated that, based on the materials before me, even absent agreement between counsel, this was the finding that I would have arrived at.
Mr Graham, who appeared for Mr Stimson, then admitted on his behalf that the objective elements had been proved. Based on the materials before me and the concession made on behalf of Mr Stimson, I found it proved beyond reasonable doubt that the objective elements of murder and attempted murder had been established.
As a consequence of these findings, pursuant to s 269F B (3) of the CLCA, I found Mr Stimson not guilty of the offences of murder and attempted murder by way of mental incompetence and declared him liable to supervision under div 4, sub-div 2 of the CLCA.
As required under s 269Q of the CLCA, prior to fixing the limiting term, I ordered a further report be prepared by a psychiatrist addressing the mental condition of Mr Stimson, detailing his diagnosis, prognosis and suggested treatment plan,[7] and the possible effects of the proposed action (being committed to detention) on the behaviour of Mr Stimson.[8] In addition, I ordered a report ascertaining the views of the victims, the victims’ next of kin, and Mr Stimson’s next of kin.[9]
[7]    Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 269Q.
[8]    Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 269T(2).
[9]    Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 269R.
The matter next came before the Court on 15 July 2025. On that occasion, I heard the victim impact statements. By that time, I had received the reports ordered on 22 April 2025.
I fixed a limiting term of life and made an order committing Mr Stimson to detention.[10]
[10] Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 269O.
Although the various steps that have resulted in the finding that Mr Stimson was mentally incompetent to have committed the offences, the fixing of a limiting term of life and an order for detention occurred with the agreement of counsel, given the seriousness of the events and the gravity of the consequences for all of those involved, it is important I set out the various circumstances that have led to these findings and orders.
The circumstances of the offences
Background
Prior to 31 August 2023, Mr Stimson had worked with his father, Laurence Stimson, and his brother, Marley Stimson, across three farming properties associated with their family situated at 1528, 1724 and 1890 Senior Road, Senior. At the relevant time, Mr Stimson was living by himself at a house located at 1528 Senior Road.
On or about 31 August 2023, Mr Stimson ceased working with his father and brother following an argument which had resulted in a physical altercation. During the altercation, Mr Stimson yelled at his father and brother and punched his brother in the face.
Some months later, at about 8.30am on 16 November 2023, Laurence and Marley Stimson left 1890 Senior Road to work at the property at 1724 Senior Road. Marley Stimson left his dog behind at 1890 Senior Road in a dog cage located a short distance away from their residence.
Laurence Stimson dropped Marley Stimson off at 1724 Senior Road and returned back to 1890 Senior Road. Upon his return, he saw that Mr Stimson was present at the property. There was a conversation about money that Mr Stimson said that he was owed, and Laurence Stimson provided him with some cash. Mr Stimson asked his father where his brother was, and was told that he was working at the woolshed.
Later that morning, Mr Stimson attended at 1724 Senior Road where his father and brother were working. Mr Stimson was seen to be standing a distance away from his brother glaring at him. His father approached Mr Stimson and spoke with him. Mr Stimson made comments to the effect that he was “just watching” his brother. He left the property a short time later.
That evening, when Laurence and Marley Stimson returned to 1890 Senior Road, they discovered that Marley Stimson’s dog had been shot dead. They both suspected that Mr Stimson had been responsible for this due to his prior behaviour and the fact that he had a firearms licence and access to firearms.
They made the decision to report what had happened to the police.
At about 8.11pm, Laurence Stimson contacted the police via 131 444. During that call he indicated that he was out the front of the Bordertown Police Station with Marley Stimson, and said that he was hoping to speak to a police officer. He provided the police with details about what had happened to the dog.
Constable Rebekah Cass attended at the Bordertown Police Station and spoke to both Laurence Stimson and Marley Stimson in relation to their report. This resulted in arrangements being made for Constable Cass, Sergeant Doig and Sergeant Hutchinson to attend at Mr Stimson’s residence at 1528 Senior Road.
The attendance of police
The three police officers arrived at the property at about 11.40pm. Upon their arrival, Sergeant Hutchinson attempted to make a phone call to a mobile telephone number that the police believed to be that of Mr Stimson. The phone call went through to voicemail.
Sergeant Hutchinson approached the sliding door entrance at the front of the house, opening the unlocked door. As he did so he called out “Jaydn” and “police” a number of times. Sergeant Hutchinson then entered, and moved towards the front area of the house in an attempt to locate Mr Stimson. As he did so he continued to called out “Jaydn” and ‘police”. He was however, unable to locate anyone in that area.
In the meantime, Sergeant Doig remained outside of the house, and walked around the perimeter of the residence to the back area of the house. Constable Cass also remained outside.
Sergeant Hutchinson continued to move throughout the house and ended up in the sunroom. At the same time, Sergeant Doig separately entered the same area via a rear door. As he did so he yelled out “police coming in”.
Sergeant Doig and Sergeant Hutchinson then moved out of the sunroom area towards an adjoining hallway, which led to a dark bedroom directly in front of them and a lit enclosed carport/garage to their right.
Sergeant Doig moved towards the darkened room, whereas Sergeant Hutchinson headed towards the lit area.
Unbeknownst to the police, Mr Stimson was in the dark bedroom, armed with a shotgun, a .22 rifle and quantities of ammunition.
Upon Sergeant Doig entering the bedroom, Mr Stimson discharged the shotgun, causing injury to Sergeant Doig’s left clavicular region.
Following the discharge of the shotgun, Sergeant Hutchinson moved further into the enclosed carport/garage area. Still armed with the shotgun, Mr Stimson moved into the connecting hallway. He discharged the shotgun at Sergeant Hutchinson, causing injury to his left abdomen. Sergeant Hutchinson was able to take cover behind some boxes.
Having discharged the two shots, Mr Stimson reloaded the shotgun and discharged the firearm a further time at Sergeant Doig, whilst he was on the ground. This caused an injury to his abdomen.
Mr Stimson was subsequently shot by the police using their service revolvers.
Upon hearing the shots fired within the house, Constable Cass immediately went inside to assist her colleagues. They called for police backup and eventually other police attended and arrested Mr Stimson.
Mr Stimson made a number of comments to the police as they were waiting for backup, to the effect that he was happy that he had been shot and that he may possibly die. On the various body worn camera footage he is recorded as saying “I’m going to die… I am so happy” and “I’m going to die. Thank you very much guys, I’m so happy”.
Sergeant Doig passed away at the scene despite efforts to resuscitate him. The pathologist who conducted the post-mortem examination of Sergeant Doig expressed the opinion that, given the degree of injury caused by the first gun shot that was fired, it was unlikely that he would have survived even if medical life support had been available at the scene.
Sergeant Hutchinson was initially conveyed to the Bordertown Hospital for treatment. He was subsequently transferred by air to the Flinders Medical Centre for surgery.
Mr Stimson was also conveyed to the Finders Medical Centre for surgery. Whilst there, he made various statements that were reflective of his state of mind. These included:
“I had a bit of freak out”.
“My plan was not to live” and “I didn’t want to live”.
“The officer was fucking with me”.
Mr Stimson made other comments referring to Marley Stimson.
Seizure of firearms and ammunition
Following the shooting, the police seized a shotgun and rifle from 1528 Senior Road.
The shotgun was an ATA (Turkish) model 686 break open over and under 12 gauge shotgun, which was associated with firearms licence number 343136N and had a serial number of 14-S0388. Mr Stimson was licenced to possess a firearm of this category under the Firearms Act2015 (SA) and this firearm was registered to him.
The rifle seized was a Ceska Zbrojovka model 452-2E ZKM .22 calibre bolt action rifle, which was associated with firearm licence number 343137H and had a serial number of B721527.
Although Mr Stimson was licenced to possess a firearm of this category (Category A) under the Firearms Act 2015 (SA), this firearm was not registered to him. It was recorded as registered to Mr Stimson’s mother, Lynette Stimson, and as stored at 1890 Senior Road, Senior.
At the time that it was seized, the rifle was found to be loaded with a detachable box magazine which held five unfired Remington brand .22 Long Rifle rimfire calibre cartridges. Further to this, there was one unfired Remington brand .22 Long Rifle rimfire calibre cartridge loaded in the chamber.
In addition to the firearms, the police also located and seized the following:
·In the bedroom where the police had initially located Mr Stimson, four fired “Bronze Wing” 12 gauge shotgun shells, and three boxes of “Bronze Wing” 12 gauge shotgun ammunition. One box was open and had shotgun shells missing from it.
·From various areas inside of the house, quantities of ammunition, casings and fragments of ammunition.
·In a Nissan Navara utility motor vehicle associated with Mr Stimson, a fired Remington .22LR rimfire calibre casing.
·From a Nissan Pulsar sedan motor vehicle associated with Mr Stimson, five GB brand 12 gauge shotgun shells.
The condition of the house
Mr Stimson’s house was in a poor condition. The environment was dirty, with numerous cobwebs, even within the obviously used areas of the house. The bathroom was extremely unhygienic. Mr Stimson’s clothes were strewn around the floor of his room, the pantry contained numerous empty soft drink bottles and the contents of the fridge were similarly unsanitary.
Of particular note, in the loungeroom, the police located a box containing 20 condoms filled with urine. Four others had been tied but had burst or been broken.
Electronic Media
Electronic devices associated with Mr Stimson were seized from 1528 Senior Road. A review of those devices resulted in the police identifying a YouTube account/channel associated with Mr Stimson. The account was in the name “Zombie Marine” and had three videos uploaded, each depicting Mr Stimson. These were:
“Australia and the gel blaster laws” (18 October 2020)
In this video:
·Mr Simson discusses and complains about the laws in relation to gel blasters.
·He holds up his firearms licence card.
·He also holds up a shotgun and rifle that are consistent in appearance with the two firearms that he had in his possession on 16 November 2023.
“IMG 0450” – “Zombie marine 2 house tour” (5 September 2023)
In this video:
·Mr Stimson films his residence at 1528 Senior Road using a handheld device
·He refers to himself by name and by the name/handle “Zombie Marine 2”.
·The footage depicts a shotgun consistent in appearance with the shotgun used in the shooting, about which Mr Stimson commented “Shotgun, to keep away any of the cunts around here”.
·Mr Stimson refers to having fines for not wearing a helmet and makes comments relating to the government, and not paying fines. He holds up paperwork including an Information and Summons filed on 23 November 2020 for a Magistrates Court matter, and a copy of a good behaviour bond.
“nnn Worst Loser 1997” – “wish the rest of you the best keep going and down with the six month you the thing” (15 November 2023)
In this video:
·Mr Stimson films himself in a room at 1528 Senior Road discussing having failed what he refers to as “no nut November”.
·He mentions his date of birth (28 November 1997) and refers to himself by the name/handle “Zombie Marine 2”.
A further separate video (not uploaded to YouTube) was also identified by police on an iPhone seized from the premises:
“IMG0454”
·Mr Stimson films a tour of 1528 Senior Road and refers to himself by the name/handle “Zombie Marine 2”.
·The footage depicts the shotgun used during the shooting. Shortly after showing his firearm for the second time, Mr Stimson comments:[11]
“Keep those shotguns close by lads, you gotta make sure you keep ‘em ready to kill someone if they come on your property. There is a fair bit of property out here in the middle of bumfuck nowhere. Oh actually not really, it’s not too far from a town, but oh well”.
[11] Prosecution Case Statement at [52c].
An “X” account (formerly known as a “Twitter” account) associated with Mr Stimson was also identified by police (@ZombieMari42582). On 16 November 2023, Mr Stimson tweeted “I’m your host zombie Marine 2 and itchy and scratch show is about to begin. All you have to do is tune into the Stimson and you’ll find them both there”. This was accompanied by an image of a logo of “The Itchy and Scratchy Show” from the Simpsons television series.
The impact on the victims and the community

These events have had a profound effect on the victims, their families and friends. Every unnecessary death is a tragedy, but when the death is of someone who is putting their life at risk to protect others, the impact reverberates deeply; beyond those who have been directly affected to the broader community.
I have heard two community impact statements and five impact statements from some of those who have been affected by these events.
The Community impact statement provided on behalf of the South Australian Police
A community impact statement was provided by the Police Commissioner on behalf of the South Australian Police. In it, he describes the impact of what happened to Brevet Sergeant Doig, Sergeant Hutchinson and Constable Cass, at a personal, professional and organisational level.
There can be no doubt that these events have been deeply felt by the policing community of this State. As the Commissioner said:
The loss of Brevet Sergeant Doig and significant injuries sustained to Sergeant Michael Hutchinson and Constable Rebekah Cass are still being deeply felt by many SAPOL colleagues and has had an acute effect on South Australia Police. The violent death or serious injury of a police officer amplifies the risk and vulnerability of all law enforcement personnel and impacts the officer’s colleagues, the organisation, the wider police community, and the officer’s family.
The Commissioner went on to discuss the breadth of the impact of this tragedy:
South Australia Police have 4674 sworn officers who willingly and diligently serve the community of South Australia. Police officers carry their obligations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Many officers, who perform frontline operational roles, start their shift not knowing what their day will entail or what possible dangers they may face delivering this service. They perform their duty without the certainty they will safely finish their shift and return home to family and friends. On 16 November 2023, Brevet Sergeant Doig was denied the opportunity to return home to his family and friends. Some of his closest colleagues witnessed his violent and senseless death but still rendered first aid to Mr Stimson. Other colleagues professionally performed their police duties to restore safety to the community by putting their own shock and emotions aside.
The murder of Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig in the line of duty whilst serving the South Australian regional community has created a significant and enduring impact for his family, friends, colleagues, the local community and the South Australia Police. The impact of a police officer being killed in the execution of their duty is far reaching. As I have said, the affect is felt deeply by their family, friends and colleagues as well as every other officer, not just in South Australia but nationally, and it deeply affects the family of every officer who fear for the safety of someone they care about when they leave for work each shift.
This statement reflects not only the operational, organisational and cultural loss, but also the deep respect and admiration held by all who worked alongside Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig. His name will live on and forever be memorialised as a hero. South Australia Police will remain united in our commitment to carry forward his legacy with honour and purpose.
The Community impact statement provided on behalf of the Lucindale community
The Commissioner for Victims’ Rights prepared a community impact statement on behalf of the Lucindale community.
In that statement, Sergeant Doig was described as “a much-valued member of the Lucindale community”, having lived and worked there for over 12 years:
His involvement in the community extended beyond his official policing duties and included volunteering as a lifeguard at the community pool, participating in local sports clubs, and engaging with various community groups.
He was a neighbour, a teammate, and a friend — a constant and reliable man who gave his time, energy, and his heart to the people around him.
He was always there to help, whether it was standing on the sidelines of a netball game, cooking the BBQ at a cricket match, or checking on those who weren’t able to get out much.
It has been said that Jason cared for his flock and in return his flock embraced him as one of their own.
He was also affectionately known as “Action Jason” — always the first to ask, “What can I do to help?” From bushfires to big events like Triple J’s One Night Stand, from school visits to mental health check-ins.
Jason embodied the idea of country policing at its finest — practical, kind, and deeply human. The Mayor of Lucindale stating that the stories, myths and anecdotes surrounding Jason would be for the big screen.
His involvement in community sport — particularly cricket — highlighted his belief in connection and shared experience. He was a loyal member of the cricket club, often showing up to help at training, cook at the BBQ, or just unwind with friends, sharing stories about motorbikes or fishing.
Everyone who knew Jason agreed on one thing — he was unique — and that’s exactly what made him special.
His dedication wasn’t just about duty — it was personal. He was committed to the health and wellbeing of all community members and truly believed no one should lose their life on his watch. That belief cost him his own.
His tragic death has had a profound impact, rocking the Lucindale community to its core.
The Victim Impact Statements
Two of the victim impact statements were from Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, who not only had their lives put at risk, but who also had to live the experience of watching their colleague die, unable to save him.
Constable Rebekah Cass
In her victim impact statement, Constable Cass spoke of the emotional injuries, the guilt and the grief that have changed her forever. She lives with the knowledge that had she taken a further two steps, she may have also been shot.
Constable Cass spoke about watching Sergeant Doig lose the fight to live, and the effect that has had on her in coming to terms with there being nothing that she could have done to save him.
She described not being able to return to the job that “[she] loved – one [she] trained for, believed in and was proud of” and how she continues to suffer reliving that night, experiencing fear, rage and grief.
Sergeant Michael Hutchinson
In his victim impact statement, Sergeant Hutchinson also spoke of the events of 16 November 2023, and how they have impacted on his life. Sergeant Hutchinson knew Mr Stimson and his family. He had helped them. He explained that the reason that he had attended at Mr Stimson’s house was out of concern for his welfare.
Sergeant Hutchinson described how he has suffered as a consequence of being shot twice, receiving injuries to his torso and chest.
As a result of the impact to his torso, Sergeant Hutchinson sustained approximately 30 pellet wounds to the left side of his body. He has had two operations to remove some of the pellets and reduce ongoing pain from the injury. He still has six pellets left inside of him. These injuries continue to have a significant impact on his everyday living.
Sergeant Hutchinson described himself as being “lucky” in relation to his head injury. He explained that had the pellets been centimetres lower, the shot gun blast would have hit him in the face, with the potential for blindness and more serious injuries.
In addition to this, Sergeant Hutchinson tore the medial meniscus in his right knee, whilst trying to seek cover after the first shot. He also required surgery for this injury, which involved a total knee replacement which is the cause of ongoing pain and mobility issues.
As well as the physical injuries, Sergeant Hutchinson also suffers from the mental trauma of what he experienced. He described the impact of Sergeant Doig dying in his arms and the guilt that he carries because he died on his “watch”. He said that “what [he] had to see and … what [he] had to do on the night is still vivid in [his] memories and will be with [him] until the day that [he] dies”.
Sergeant Hutchinson also described the “ripple effect” of these events through the victims’ families, the police and the community. Finally, he talked of the impact of having to be transferred out of Bordertown where he served as the Officer in Charge for 23 years. He was forced to leave the town and the role that he loved.
I was also provided with victim impact statements from Sergeant Doig’s brother, stepfather and mother.
Brett Doig
In his victim impact statement, Sergeant Doig’s brother, Brett Doig, described the moment that detectives knocked on his door to tell him about what had happened and then having to call his mother and younger brother to tell them the news that no one should have to deliver, news that would change all of their lives irreparably.
Mr Doig explained that he no longer takes the future for granted and he grieves the loss of the experiences that he would have shared with his brother. He misses him.
Mr Doig, however, also spoke of the innumerable stories of his brother’s dedication, kindness and commitment that he has heard from his colleagues and community over the last 18 months. He said that these stories have only served to reinforce what he already knew about the character and the person that was his brother.
Despite this, Mr Doig said that he cannot get over nor forget what has happened. He said that it has been harder than he could have ever imagined.
Robert Edwards
Robert Edwards became Sergeant Doig’s stepfather when he married his mother in 2005. In his victim impact statement, Mr Edwards described Sergeant Doig as someone who could always be relied upon, with his generosity and support at times being overwhelming. Mr Edwards said that Sergeant Doig enjoyed helping and giving – not only to his family, but also to his friends and their families, to his work colleagues and organisations, as well as anybody who needed help.
Mr Edwards described feeling devastation upon hearing the news of Sergeant Doig’s death. He felt anger, sadness and an inability to understand how and why his stepson was killed.
Faye Doig-Edwards
The final victim impact statement that I heard was that of Sergeant Doig’s mother, Faye Doig-Edwards. She said that on the day of her son’s death her “world was torn apart”. She now experiences a deep, unrelenting sorrow that never goes away and there are days that she can barely function with the weight of her grief. She said that no parent should ever have to bury their child, and yet that is the reality that has been forced upon her and her family.
Ms Doig-Edwards concluded her victim impact statement by saying:
I will never forget Jason. I will never stop loving him, and I will never stop grieving. What you took from us is beyond measure.
But I speak his name, I honour his memory, and I carry him with me always.
Jason Doig was my son – and he mattered.
Mr Stimson’s background
Personal history
Mr Stimson was born in Mount Gambier. He grew up in a household with his parents and four siblings. He appears to have had a relatively unremarkable upbringing.
Mr Stimson initially attended Bordertown Primary School, where he remained until the age of about eight or nine. As a consequence of having difficulty in reading and writing, he was removed from school by his parents and was homeschooled. Whilst at school, Mr Stimson had difficulties in his social interactions and had a tendency to become overwhelmed and unable to cope.
During the time that he was homeschooled, Mr Stimson received input from an occupational therapist and a speech therapist.
Mr Stimson finished his formal school education at the age of 16. He described himself as a loner, with no friends.
Since leaving school, Mr Stimson has largely been involved in farm work including the shearing and crutching of sheep. He has also undertaken crop farming, either on the family farm or for others in the local area.
Mr Stimson has no history of illicit substance use, and whilst he has regularly consumed alcohol, it does not appear to have become problematic. He also has no significant criminal record.
Prior to the events of 16 November 2023, Mr Stimson’s criminal history consisted of a fine for not wearing a bicycle helmet which he refused to pay. The matter escalated until his driver’s licence was suspended. He was subsequently convicted for driving disqualified in October 2022, for which he received a six month good behaviour bond and a fine.
History of mental health issues
As a child, Mr Stimson displayed a number of unusual behaviours. These included vigorous hand shaking movements, difficulty understanding others and staring with a blank expression, a like of some sensory stimuli (such as smells) but dislike of others, and shutting down when faced with difficulties.
As a consequence, at age 10, Mr Stimson was assessed for autism spectrum disorder. A letter from the Department of Child and Adolescent Development Neurology and Rehabilitation reported that whilst Mr Stimson did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ‘Asperger’s syndrome’, it suggested he may have a language and learning disability.
It would appear that there is no significant family history of any mental health disorders. Before the relevant events, Mr Stimson had no prior contact with any mental health services.
It would seem, however, that based on collateral information that has been provided by family, friends, acquaintances and members of the community, from around 2019 Mr Stimson experienced a “prodromal period of illness”. The prodrome consists of early, non-specific symptoms before diagnostic features emerge; often seen as a period of non-specific decline preceding the onset of frank psychotic symptoms.[12]
[12] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [5.10].
Mr Stimson’s mother identified that, in around 2019, he began to change. He became more withdrawn, lost his joviality, and could be aggressive towards her.
Mr Stimson’s father noticed a change in him in about 2020, as he became angry and anti-authoritarian; his animosity was particularly directed towards his brother. He also noticed a deterioration in his self-care and home maintenance, and said that he would be “bumming around the house doing nothing”.
Laurence Stimson also noticed Mr Stimson’s anger and aggression increase over time. He would lose his temper and call Laurence or Marley Stimson offensive names for no apparent reason. He also observed his son demonstrate some anti-authoritarian behaviours, including resentment surrounding the Covid restrictions, which ultimately manifested in him refusing to receive the second vaccine.
Laurence Stimson stated that, over time, Mr Stimson’s presentation worsened. In the 12 months prior to 16 November 2023, he seemed to be constantly attempting to start a fight or an argument.
Marley Stimson similarly reported that his relationship with his brother had started deteriorating approximately three years before the relevant events, and he noticed that Mr Stimson started “acting out, saying odd things and stuff that wouldn’t make sense to me. Just rambling about odd stuff, I can’t remember specific things he said because I just tried to ignore him. On one occasion in the shearing shed we were crutching and out of nowhere he started calling me Hitler, which was really strange”.[13]
[13] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [2.7].
Others in the community who knew Mr Stimson also observed changes in his behaviour over this period of time. He was noticed to be short of temper and would swear inappropriately, to the extent that the manager of the local bottle shop wondered if he had developed Tourette syndrome. He was described as often being insulting and antisocial, he had put on weight and was noted to appear “scruffy and unshaven”.
Psychiatric reports
As mentioned, three psychiatrists have met with Mr Stimson, interviewed him and prepared reports for the assistance of the Court. These are Dr Owen Haeney (reports dated 1 March 2024, 28 June 2024 and 7 June 2025), Dr Jessica Lowe (report dated 5 February 2025) and Dr William Brereton (report dated 24 February 2025).
It is of assistance in understanding the opinions of the psychiatrists to deal with the reports in the order in which they were prepared.
Dr Owen Haeney – 1 March 2024
By letter of instruction, dated 1 December 2023, Dr Haeney was requested to undertake an independent psychiatric report of Mr Stimson by his legal representatives.
For that purpose, on 6 December 2023, Dr Haeney conducted a two and a half hour interview with Mr Stimson. At that time, Mr Stimson remained in the Flinders Medical Centre, receiving treatment for the gunshot wounds he had sustained on 16 November 2023.
During that interview, Dr Haeney asked Mr Stimson about the charges that he was facing and Mr Stimson answered by saying it was “mostly because I … shot Marley’s dog”.[14] When asked why he shot the dog, Mr Stimson replied “because I was still angry at him”, because “he’s been teasing [me] for a long time”.[15] When asked what he meant by teasing, he replied that his brother engaged in “psychological warfare, constantly doing the Hitler salute…, keeping going on about how my greatest sin is pride, that I’m a sheep, that his sheep were his children”.[16] He said that his brother drew Nazi Swastikas over the walls in the woolshed. Mr Stimson went on to explain that he believed that his brother was Hitler and Lucifer in one.
[14] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.34].
[15] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.35].
[16] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.36].
During the interview, Dr Haeney probed these responses in some detail. For current purposes, it is not necessary to descend into the details of that discussion, but by way of example, Dr Haeney provided the following account of his attempts to clarify the significance of the reference to sheep:[17]
When asked about reference to sheep, Mr Stimson said, “I’m pretty sure he (Marley) is a sheep. He transforms into a sheep, that’s his true form.” He was asked whether this related to the devil who could be sometimes portrayed as a goat-like figure. He confirmed this but said, “I don’t think it’s a goat; it’s a sheep”. He said that his father, Laurie, “would start saying the exact same thing Marley would say. It got weird. They’d say sheep were smart, I can’t remember what they’d say.” He also thought his father had “some strange interest in the sheep” and wondered if there was some form of mind control from Marley influencing their father. He was suspicious that “everyone seems to try to defend Marley, saying it’s not his fault; the same with Lynette”. At a later point in our interview, Mr Stimson was asked whether he thought his brother had supernatural powers and responded promptly, “He does,” in the present tense. He was unsure of specifics. He thought his brother had power to convince or influence others but that it was “too hard to explain logically”.
[17] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.41].
Mr Stimson told Dr Haeney that after shooting the dog he returned home. When asked specifically about the reasons for shooting the dog, Mr Stimson said “I didn’t trust him with it”, then he said that it was “more of a payback kind of thing”. He explained that killing the dog was a message to Marley to “just stop this kind of thing”.
Mr Stimson said that once he returned home he sat there for a while, thinking, but was “mostly blank”. He played on his Xbox for a period, cooked some tea and did some exercises. He said that he felt calm the whole time. He thought about going for a walk but opted to stay home.[18]
[18] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.50].
When asked about his expectations of his brother’s response, Mr Stimson said “I kind of had the suspicion they’d call the cops or that Loz might come back with his own gun and shoot at the house”.

Dr Haeney then asked Mr Stimson about the arrival of the police at his property. In his report, Dr Haeney described what Mr Stimson said on this topic in some detail:[19]
He said that later that night he received the text about a PlayStation game or similar, believing that this was sent by police. He said that later that night the police attended. He saw headlights approaching and knew it was police. He grabbed his shotgun. He thought, “They’re going to take the guns away. I’m not going to be a coward, they’ll have to pry it from my cold dead hands.” He did not expect to leave the situation alive and felt “more gung-ho” about his actions. He said by that point he no longer cared about anything. He did not dispute the version of events depicted in the Facts of Charge and described in an expressionless manner, “Yeah, I got shot a fair few times, that’s it”.
He said that he had “never really liked the cops anyway”, adding “I don’t like authority.” He was asked whether he thought the police were in league with his brother. He did not know and reiterated that “at that point in time I didn’t really care”. He thought the police were “just out there on their orders” and did not necessarily think that they were convinced or influenced by his brother/Lucifer. He accepted the police had attended because he had shot the dog and acknowledged he knew it was police entering his house. He confirmed the police had identified themselves beforehand. He did not answer, saying, “I didn’t want to”.
He was asked whether he knew what would happen when police entered. He replied, “Yeah. Either I kill them all or they’re going to kill me. I didn’t really care either way.” He denied that he had a specific intention to force the police to shoot him (suicide by police). He reiterated “I just didn’t care”.
He was asked how he felt now. He replied, “Nothing. No remorse over it. I still just don’t care.” He said he did not really care about anything.
[19] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.52]-[3.55].
Mr Stimson went on to express some further delusional beliefs to Dr Haeney. These included:
·He thought that he was three souls in one body.
·He thought that he may be the reincarnation of Churchill.
·He said that “Marley and I have been going at it a long time”.[20] When asked what he meant, whether he meant back to Churchill and Hitler in World War II, he said that it had been going on for “longer” and that it was “ancient”.[21]
·He said that his own powers meant that he was not subject to mind control by his brother, as others were.
·He did not believe that the rest of his family were directly involved or were reincarnated entities.
·When asked about receiving messages, Mr Stimson replied “The only one I had recently was when I looked at the Bible. There was grey coloured writing and it kept changing, little black lines or words, I don’t know, some weird supernatural shit”.[22]
·He denied ever hearing the three entities talking to him or with each other but said that sometimes he could feel something within his body, mainly in his left hand, as if they were trying to take control of him.
[20] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.60].
[21] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.60].
[22] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [3.61].
Mr Stimson denied hearing any voices or experiencing other sensations or visions that he could not explain. He also denied other psychotic symptoms such as beliefs that others could insert thoughts into his head, steal his thoughts or that his thoughts were broadcasted to other people.
Dr Haeney provided the following summary of the results of his examination of Mr Stimson:[23]
His thought processes were largely coherent, but at times he appeared perplexed by his own beliefs, alluding to previous clarity that was no longer present. He had delusions (false, fixed beliefs out of keeping with an individual’s social, cultural and educational background) that he was in fact three entities or spirits in one body, locked in an eternal battle against his brother, who was also Lucifer and Hitler. He had beliefs that his brother had mind-influencing powers to which he was immune and that they were constantly locked together, reincarnated in different corporeal forms. He described some experiences suggesting passivity, whereby these entities tried to physically control his body and actions. He did not describe hallucinations such as hearing imaginary voices or seeing visions. He was orientated, in person, place and time. His cognition was not formally tested but he was able to concentrate throughout a lengthy interview. He displayed minimal insight into his symptoms. He did not think he suffered with a mental illness, but acknowledged that he was aware that his descriptions may lead others to conclude this.
[23] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [4.2].
Based on this assessment, Dr Haeney formed the opinion that Mr Stimson was suffering from “an untreated and undiagnosed psychotic mental illness”.[24]
[24] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [5.1].
At that time, it was agreed that, as soon as Mr Stimson was medically cleared, he would be admitted for further treatment and assessment at James Nash House.
That did not occur because Mr Stimson’s treatment at the Flinders Medical Centre took longer than predicted, and by the time of his medical discharge, there was no longer a bed available at James Nash House.
Mr Stimson was eventually admitted to James Nash House on 5 January 2024. He has remained in the secure hospital since that time on the acute/admission ward.
Diagnosis
Following confirmation of the first episode of psychosis, which was believed at that time to be schizophrenia, Mr Stimson was commenced on antipsychotic medication, risperidone, in oral form. However, within a few days, he refused it, saying he neither wanted nor needed it. As a result, he was commenced on an injectable antipsychotic medication of a similar nature, paliperidone.
Based on these early dealings with Mr Stimson, Dr Haeney concluded:[25]
It is apparent that over a period of perhaps three years, Mr Stimson has developed a primary psychotic illness, believed to be schizophrenia. He developed delusions (false, fixed beliefs) that his brother was the reincarnation of Hitler and Lucifer (Satan), while he (Mr Stimson) was the reincarnation of Winston Churchill. He also believed he has three powerful souls or entities within him and that he is locked in eternal battle with his ‘brother’, who he portrays as regularly teasing or mocking him. Mr Stimson has described other unequivocal psychotic symptoms such as ‘passivity phenomena’ (the experience of the entities controlling or influencing some of his bodily movements), delusions of reference (such as believing numbers or dates have particular significance to him), thought broadcasting/mind-reading and recently auditory hallucinations (hearing voices not apparent to others).
In addition, he has other signs of schizophrenia such as emotional blunting or incongruity (including showing a puzzling lack of disconcertion at his offence and subsequent incarceration). I suspect his apparent lack of remorse at his offence is due in no small part to his psychosis. His delusions led him to feel tired of an endless battle and he believed he was likely to be killed then reincarnated anyway. He no longer cared about his actions (or their tragic impact on others). Mr Stimson also shows lack of insight into his mental illness, which is classical of schizophrenia. While he could volunteer that some of his beliefs might be interpreted by others as mental illness, he initially withheld them to avoid others reaching this conclusion and since has remained adamant that his beliefs and experiences are real. He has required treatment with injectable antipsychotic medication as a result, having refused oral medication. Although started relatively recently, there are promising early signs of improvement.
Mr Stimson’s presentation is characteristic of schizophrenia, which is a mental illness characterised by so-called ‘positive’ psychotic symptoms (such as the delusions and hallucinations described above) with ‘negative’ symptoms (such as emotional incongruity or blunting, lack of volition or motivation). Typically, age of onset is in late teens or early twenties, often predated by a non-specific prodromal phase of withdrawal, mood changes or amotivation. This pattern is apparent from the collateral history, albeit complicated by the family situation in which his illness evolved.
[25] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [7.5]-[7.7].
Dr Haeney recommended that as Mr Stimson’s psychosis recedes, there should be a further assessment of his underlying presentation, including whether any personality disorder or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (‘ASD’) are evident. Dr Haeney noted that the current collateral information available suggests that ASD is likely, but this would require a specialist assessment once his psychosis is adequately treated.
On the topic of whether Mr Stimson had a defence of mental incompetence open to him, Dr Haeney said:[26]
I am firmly of the opinion that Mr Stimson has a psychotic mental illness, likely to be schizophrenia. This would be considered a mental impairment for the purposes of Part 8A of the CLCA. He was undoubtedly suffering with symptoms of schizophrenia at the material time.
I do not believe that Mr Stimson was unaware of the nature or quality of his conduct. He knew that it was police at his address and that they had been called because he had shot a dog. He knew the nature of his actions in shooting at them, albeit he had little regard for the consequences.
However, in my opinion Mr Stimson was unable to reason about whether his conduct, as perceived by reasonable people, was wrong. I also believe that this was in consequence of his mental impairment. He was labouring under the effect of a severe and enduring mental illness. He had longstanding delusions that he was locked in battle with the embodiment of evil. He felt drained by the conflict and indifferent to whether he lived or died, but undoubtedly influenced by the belief that he would be reincarnated. His indifference to the consequences is likely to have been influenced by his initial belief that he too would die, by the greater matters at stake and due to the emotional blunting common in schizophrenia. There is some conflicting information about whether Mr Stimson believed his life to be directly threatened by the arrival of police. At interview, he stated that he knew police had come to arrest him or remove his firearms, which he could not allow to happen. More recently he has stated that he thought his brother/Lucifer would have him killed.
[26] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 1 March 2024 at [7.11]-[7.13].
Dr Haeney acknowledged, however, that the matter was not entirely straight-forward, as Mr Stimson’s conduct could potentially be ascribed to other motives such as a reluctance to be divested of his firearms or other previous negative dealings with the police. Despite this, it remained his view that the schizophrenia, which was operative at the material time, was the main driving factor behind his conduct and would have substantially affected his ability to reason whether his conduct was wrong.
Dr Owen Haeney - 28 June 2024
At the time of preparing his first report, Dr Haeney had limited collateral information, such that he was largely dependent on the facts of charge, his interview with and assessment of Mr Stimson, and some notes provided by Mr Stimson’s mother about his developments as a child and young man.
Upon receipt of the various witness affidavits, Mr Stimson’s legal representatives sought a further report from Dr Haeney to factor in the new materials. These materials contained, amongst other things, the matters set out at [85]–[94]. In addition to this, some of the affidavits related to Mr Stimson’s prior involvements with police, and his attitude generally to police and the government.
One of the affidavits contained an account of Mr Stimson being stopped by police when he was returning from his Uncle’s farm on the Victorian border. He was described as “apprehensive and short”, “distrusting and unfriendly”.[27] He was cautioned for entering South Australia on an undeclared road.
[27] Affidavit of Andron Abdul dated 19 February 2024.
Another affidavit that falls into this category relates to an incident in October 2022 when Mr Stimson was pulled over, at a time when his licence was suspended as a consequence of failing to pay the fine for failing to wear a bicycle helmet. Mr Stimson told the police officer who pulled him over that, when interacting with the police at the time he was fined, “he felt disrespected by the police officer who he was dealing with, and had now lost all respect for police”. The impression gained by the police officer from the conversation was that Mr Stimson “did not care about his current situation, and he would continually allow the fine to increase, and continually drive his vehicle”.[28]
[28] Affidavit of Mark Woods dated 17 January 2024.
On this occasion Mr Stimson was interviewed by police and that interview was video recorded. During the course of the interview there was nothing particularly abnormal about Mr Stimson’s behaviour, however, at the end Mr Stimson asked what the recording was to be used for. He was told that it might be produced to the court if he pleaded not guilty, to which Mr Stimson responded, saying “I hope you have 20/20 vision, because I do”.
There was a further interaction between a police officer and Mr Stimson at a time when he was driving unregistered and uninsured. On this occasion he was served with an expiation notice for $530.00, however, appeared non-plussed about it.[29]
[29] Affidavit of Anthony Larder dated 02 January 2024.
Mr Stimson was reinterviewed by Dr Haeney for the purpose of his second report. This interview took place on 14 June 2024. On this occasion Mr Stimson said that he was feeling “pretty well” and that his head was a bit clearer and his thoughts were straighter than before. He went on to explain “The voices or entities, whatever they were, I don’t know if I hear them any more”.[30] Upon further questioning, he denied hearing any voices recently and was questioning the nature of his previous experiences, saying “I’m not sure if they were my own thoughts or I was remembering my thoughts. It seemed pretty real”.[31]
[30] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.2].
[31] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.2].
When asked why he thought these experiences stopped, he suggested it was maybe the medication, however, he said that he was not convinced that he suffered from an illness. Instead, he opined “I’m pretty sure it’s angels or demons, something on that path. Maybe medication softened them”.[32] Mr Stimson was also asked about his prior beliefs relating to his brother and him being reincarnated spirits. He replied “I still believe that pretty well”[33], however, he struggled to recall the reasons that convinced him of this. It follows that, even by this date, Mr Stimson was not entirely accepting that he suffered from a mental illness.
[32] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.3].
[33] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.5].
During the second interview, Dr Haeney revisited Mr Stimson’s recollection of the events of 16 November 2023. Dr Haeney asked Mr Stimson why he thought the police were at his property. Mr Stimson confirmed that he knew that they were the police when they arrived, although when he first saw the headlights, he initially considered whether it was his father and his father’s friend who were coming to kill him. He admitted that when the police entered the house, he heard them announce their presence and confirm their identity.
Mr Stimson told Dr Haeney that he had thoughts that if he walked out he would be shot. He struggled to explain why he had not surrendered his firearm, saying there were “So many thoughts inside my head, it was confusing. Thinking about reincarnation”.[34] He said that as Sergeant Doig walked into the room “I just shot my weapon. I thought I was going to die anyway. Maybe shoot my way out, live on the streets in Adelaide”.[35]
[34] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.13].
[35] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.13].
Given the additional material that had been received, in this interview, Dr Haeney also explored Mr Stimson’s previous views on the government and about the police. He acknowledged, “I don’t like the police much”, but qualified this by adding “I know they are here to keep us safe”.[36] Nonetheless, Mr Stimson appeared to suggest that there was a degree of overreach from the authorities. When asked specifically about the YouTube videos about gel blasters, he admitted that he had been angry, and that the decision was “ridiculous, pathetic”.[37]
[36] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.16].
[37] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.16].
Dr Haeney also directly raised the topic of Mr Stimson’s views about the Covid restrictions. Mr Stimson said that they had a limited impact on him, however, he had considered whether it was a way to “deliberately depopulate the human race, possibly hatched by governments at an international summit”.[38] He likened it to “culling of sheep or cattle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or to the character of Thanos in the Marvel Infinity Saga, who causes half of life on Earth to simply vanish, allowing the planet to heal”.[39] However, he was not convinced that Covid was a conspiracy of this nature. He told Dr Haeney that he was unimpressed by the severity of the illness, referring to it as a “piss-weak virus” which has not caused the extent of illness or death that had been anticipated.
[38] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.17].
[39] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.17].
In relation to the escalation of the fine for failing to wear a bicycle helmet, Mr Stimson said “My head was all over the place, thinking I was better than them, like I was going to be the next big thing”.[40] He thought that he was going to be reincarnated as a Churchillian figure, taking over the parliament and changing the country’s laws. On reflection, he commented “I should’ve just paid the fines and listened to them. Now my head is much clearer”.[41]
[40] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.18].
[41] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.18].
Dr Haeney also asked about the comment that he had made to the police officer about “20/20 vision”. Mr Stimson replied that he had thought about the year 2020, which was when the COVID pandemic started, connecting this to 20/20 vision. While he could not recall his exact comment to the police officer, he believed that it was made in reference to “20/20 (vision), 2020, a prophecy or apocalypse, only a select few people had seen it”.[42]
[42] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.19].
Dr Haeney asked Mr Stimson about the condoms that were found at his house, and he confirmed that they contained urine. He explained “I used to drink a heap, fill them up and throw them at a tree. I thought it was funny”.[43] He acknowledged that other people would consider this conduct to be “pretty sick”.
[43] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.24].
In terms of Mr Stimson’s overall presentation during this interview, Dr Haeney observed that, although Mr Stimson’s thought processes were coherent, he had some residual delusions. For example, that he and his brother were reincarnated beings locked in a battle, and that his brother had mind reading powers. Some experiences had changed, such as the cessation of voices, whilst others persisted. Mr Stimson acknowledged the transformation since commencing medication; however, his belief was that this was because medication dampened the influence of the entities within him, rather than because it was treating his illness. In that respect, he continued to display poor insight into his mental illness.
Diagnosis

In his second report, Dr Haeney confirmed his earlier diagnosis of schizophrenia. He said:[44]
I believe it is now unequivocal that Mr Stimson has schizophrenia, a severe and enduring mental illness. Investigations following admission excluded organic causes for his presentation. Toxicology reports confirmed the absence of any intoxicants in his system at the time of arrest. His symptoms have persisted in hospital, over several months, and are classical of schizophrenia (as described in my earlier report).
[44] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [6.3].
Dr Haeney explained that the additional collateral material that he had been provided with since he completed his first report established that, whilst Mr Stimson had always been described as a quiet loner, there was now confirmation of various changes in his presentation that were:[45]
… likely to be secondary to the prodrome of schizophrenia. People familiar with Mr Stimson described deterioration in his self-care and changes in his language, with incorporation of profanity into everyday conversation. His function deteriorated and he stopped working with his father and brother. His relationships with them, particularly his brother, became more strained. He began to make strange comments that his family did not understand. This is consistent with Mr Stimson’s subsequent report of his voices and beliefs (albeit not recognised by him as psychotic symptoms) emerging over the two to three years prior to the incident.
[45] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [6.4].
Given the circumstances of this case, Dr Haeney again gave consideration as to whether there was an alternative explanation for Mr Stimson’s conduct, namely, a pre-existing grudge against police and government authorities. This was important in circumstances in which there was clear evidence from his interaction with others and from his self-report, that Mr Stimson harboured a dislike of perceived police or government overreach.
Additionally, Dr Haeney found that there was some evidence of a psychotic influence to Mr Stimson’s thinking around police and government. In particular, Dr Haeney referred to the “20/20 vision” comment and Mr Stimson’s explanation for that comment. Dr Haeney explained the significance of that comment:[46]
… he believed there was a connection between the year 2020 (in which the COVID pandemic started) and the phrase 20/20 vision. He believed this indicated that someone had prophesised what would occur. Mr Stimson also likened the introduction of restrictions designed to reduce spread of the infection to a “Nazi regime”, according to his father. Of note, some of his delusions centred around the belief that his brother was the reincarnation of Hitler, leading to the possibility of links between his emerging psychosis and interpretation of these government restrictions. Mr Stimson has additionally explained that part of the reason he resented some laws and restrictions was that he believed himself to be the reincarnation of someone often perceived to be one of the great war leaders, Winston Churchill. He believed he would be reincarnated again as “the next big thing”, another Churchillian leader who would amend unfair laws; he felt he was above what he regarded as trivial laws or restrictions.
[46] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [6.9].
In considering the possibility of an alternative explanation for Mr Stimson’s conduct, Dr Haeney also took into account Mr Stimson’s differing accounts of his interpretation of the arrival of vehicles at his property on 16 November 2023. In the initial interview, Mr Stimson said that he knew that they were police and that they had clearly identified themselves upon entering the house. He expressed uncertainty about whether the police could be working in league with his brother/Lucifer, but said, by that point, he no longer cared.
Dr Haeney noted that, during his admission to hospital on 11 January 2024, Mr Stimson did not describe any direct delusions about the police, but on 26 February 2024, when interviewed again, it was recorded that “when the police arrived, he thought that they were probably Lucifer or Marley coming to kill me – I was very confused”.[47] Finally, during Dr Heaney’s most recent interview (at that time), Mr Stimson said that he initially thought the approaching cars were his father and his father’s friend coming to kill him.
[47] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [6.10].
Dr Haeney also observed that, over time, there have been various explanations for Mr Stimson’s fatal decision to shoot the police officers. He had made the prior video in which he had stated that he kept guns at hand to keep out intruders or “ready to kill someone if they come on your property”.[48] He had described a nihilistic outlook, no longer caring whether he lived or died, and feared being regarded as a coward if he handed his firearms over without resistance. Dr Haeney went on to explain that this outlook is complicated by, and has to be considered in the context of, his psychosis. Mr Stimson expressed the view that he believed that he would not die, but he would be reincarnated to continue the battle. When shot, believing himself to be dying, Mr Stimson repeatedly said how happy he was and thanked the police. He also had thoughts of shooting his way out and then living on the streets of Adelaide, without any well-formed plans about how he would do this or what the longer-term plan would be.
[48] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [2.27].
By the time of the June 2024 interview, it was Dr Haeney’s view that Mr Stimson’s overriding sense was that he had been extremely confused at the time of the shootings. He described this in different ways; “so much shit in my head, I couldn’t take it”,[49] “so many different thoughts, it felt so quick”,[50] “So many thoughts inside my head, it was confusing. Thinking about reincarnation”,[51] “hundreds of thoughts coming in, left, right and centre”.[52]
[49] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.10].
[50] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.11].
[51] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.13].
[52] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [4.14].
Whilst acknowledging that Mr Stimson has provided different explanations for his conduct, Dr Haeney expressed the view that he was not attempting to mislead or dissemble. He said that it is of note that Mr Stimson has not made any concerted attempt to develop a consistent narrative that portrays his actions in a particular light. Dr Haeney opined that the various theories offered by Mr Stimson reflect his mental confusion, “trying to make sense of his psychotic world at the time and as it has partially resolved with treatment since. This perplexity is superimposed on pre-existing attitudes to guns, to police and authority”.[53]
[53] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [6.13].
In his second report, Dr Haeney maintained the view that at the time of the relevant acts, Mr Stimson had a mental impairment – schizophrenia, and as a consequence of this mental illness, Mr Stimson did not know that his conduct was wrong; that is, that he could not reason about whether the conduct, as perceived by a reasonable person was wrong.
Dr Haeney went on to further elaborate:[54]
… Mr Stimson’s conduct occurred in the midst of florid psychosis, characterised by persecutory delusions, grandiose delusions, delusions of reference, passivity phenomena, somatic and auditory hallucinations. There is clear and unequivocal evidence of psychosis prior to the incident and subsequent to it. His thought processes were confused and disordered. He had beliefs that he was fighting an eternal battle against his brother and would be reincarnated to continue that fight if he died. He felt tired of the conflict and uncaring about the outcome. He had numerous competing thoughts about what would occur and what he should do. He described being bombarded with confusing thoughts. …
[54] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [6.14].
Dr Haeney adopted a summary that had been used by Dr Craig Raeside to describe Mr Stimson when he conducted an inpatient review of him in January 2024. He said “Whilst he did not convey delusional ideas about police, the surrounding circumstances and context appeared to be strongly influenced by delusional ideas”.[55]
[55] FDN 14, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 28 June 2024 at [6.14].
Dr William Brereton - 24 February 2025
Having received the two reports from Dr Haeney, the Director made an application that I order two further reports pursuant to s 269F A(1)(b) of the CLCA.
The first of those reports was prepared by Dr William Brereton and dated 24 February 2025. In that report, Dr Brereton agreed with the opinion of Dr Haeney that Mr Stimson was suffering from a mental impairment (an acute psychosis in the context of schizophrenia) at the relevant time such that he did not know that his conduct was wrong.
In preparation for the report, Dr Brereton also met with and interviewed Mr Stimson. That interview took place on 3 February 2025 at James Nash House.
At the interview, Mr Stimson told Dr Brereton that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia but said he was not sure what that meant. When encouraged to explain his understanding, Mr Stimson equated schizophrenia with hearing voices. He went on to tell Dr Brereton that he does not believe that he suffers from schizophrenia because the voices that he hears are real and not the product of a mental illness. Mr Stimson said that he last heard voices about two weeks before the interview and that he hears them approximately once a month.[56]
[56] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.4].
Mr Stimson told Dr Brereton that he hears different voices in each ear. On the left, he hears “Sans” and on the right he hears “Negun”. These are Odin’s ravens and they speak to him in English. He confirmed that he believes in the Norse gods, but said that they are not Gods as such, they are “entities”.[57] He said that Norse Gods do, however, have supernatural powers.
[57] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.5]-[4.6].
At the time of the interview with Dr Brereton, Mr Stimson denied experiencing symptoms such as thought alienation, passivity phenomenon, or delusions of reference, although he stated he had similar experiences in the past including a belief that his brother Marley could read his mind and would talk about what was in his head.[58]
[58] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.8].
During the interview, Dr Brereton questioned Mr Stimson about his psychiatric history. He told Dr Brereton that his life had begun to change at the age of about 23 to 24 when he started to think that he was being watched and followed. He said that he also became increasingly worried about entities and “about turning into a werewolf”. Mr Stimson told Dr Brereton that these concerns started about four years before and he began to hear voices three years ago. He said that he could recall listening to a band called Powerwolf, whose music includes songs about werewolves and he believed that these songs were about him. He told Dr Brereton that these thoughts were confirmed when a couple of his shearing companions began barking at him and reading his mind.[59]
[59] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.35].
Mr Stimson also described to Dr Brereton the same delusional beliefs that he had shared with Dr Haeney involving his brother being the reincarnation of Lucifer or Hitler, whereas he was Churchill, and about ravens communicating with him. In the context of this, the topic of shooting came up. Mr Stimson told Dr Brereton that he would hear commands from the ravens, that Negun was more sinister and would tell him who he should and should not kill. He said that he was told that he should not kill family members except for Marley, and that, long before the offence, he was told that he should kill both Marley and “the cops”.[60]
[60] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.52].
Mr Stimson told Dr Brereton that Negun did not like the police because of the fine that he had received for not wearing a helmet. He said that he never made any plans to harm police and/or members of the government. He commented that he did not consider this because it would have “got us in trouble”.[61] On the other hand, he did think about shooting Marley on two or three occasions, including whilst he was staring at Marely at the wool shed. Mr Stimson told Dr Brereton that he did not act on these thoughts because he feared being arrested and ending up in prison.
[61] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.54].
Mr Stimson told Dr Brereton that over time as these thoughts built up, he ruminated more and he socialised less. His house became increasingly messy and dirty.
As to the circumstances of the offending, Mr Stimson said that he saw the lights of two vehicles approaching the house, so he grabbed the shotgun and hid. He explained to Dr Brereton that he had hidden because he thought he was being attacked by three people; Marley, his father and a family friend. However, as the police officers approached the house, they called out that they were the police and Mr Stimson believed this. He said at this point a lot of things were running through his head. These included that he was going to die, that he was going to be resurrected as a werewolf there and then, because of Odin’s connection to wolves. He then thought that after being resurrected as a werewolf, he would kill the people there and that Marley was manipulating the police through “mind manipulation” to kill Mr Stimson.[62]
[62] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.73].
Mr Stimson told Dr Brereton that as the police were searching the house, these thoughts occupied him. He said that he knew that the police would kill him if they saw him with a gun and he thought that he would shoot his way out. He had no plans for what he would have done next. Mr Stimson then shot the police officer.
At the interview, when asked about how he felt about what he had done, he said “Not sure, I don’t feel anything”.[63] When asked directly about whether shooting the police officer was the right thing to do, he said that he still believes that it was, but could not explain why.
[63] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.78].
Based on his interview with Mr Stimson, Dr Brereton observed that he continued to voice an extensive system of delusional ideas. He did not present with a formal thought disorder and he did not appear to be distracted or responding as if experiencing hallucinations.
In terms of his insight, Dr Brereton expressed the view that Mr Stimson appeared to be at the very early stages of gaining insight. He said “he can acknowledge the possibility his delusional thinking might be wrong but, essentially, he remains convinced by his delusional thoughts”.[64]
[64] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [4.88].
Dr Brereton agreed with Dr Haeney that the history leading up to the events of 16 November 2023 suggests that Mr Stimson experienced a prodromal period of illness. These involved a change of his temperament and a noted deterioration in his self-care and home maintenance.
Diagnosis
Dr Brereton observed that when he interviewed Mr Stimson in February 2025, he still presented with significant symptoms of schizophrenia with a monotone voice, blunted affect, poverty of thought, an extensive system of delusional ideas, occasional perplexity and virtually no insight.
Dr Brereton described Mr Stimson’s diagnosis in the following terms:[65]
There is very little doubt, in my opinion, that Mr Stimson has a diagnosis of schizophrenia. His condition is severe and treatment resistant. He has presented with a characteristic onset of schizophrenia, and developed multiple cardinal symptoms of schizophrenia which have persisted for over a year in hospital despite treatment. I also agree there are aspects of his history that indicate a possible diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, but this cannot be accurately determined while his psychotic symptoms remain so prominent.
(Emphasis in original)
[65] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [5.14].
Dr Brereton expressed the view that Mr Stimson’s report of delusional ideas and auditory hallucinations is credible. He explained his reasoning in arriving at that view:[66]
… He has reported a complex system of beliefs with a high degree of consistency over a considerable period of time. This included voicing his delusional ideas while sedated and physically unwell in hospital, immediately after the alleged offending. Inconsistencies that have arisen, I believe are attributable to the changing nature of delusions as an illness progresses, and the fact that a psychosis causes degrees of thought disorder, confusion, and difficulties with memory. There is also collateral information from Marley Stimson: in the 12 months preceding the alleged index offending, when they were alone, Mr Stimson would ramble and say odd things, including calling Marley Stimson, Hitler. During the argument on 31 August 2023, Mr Stimson again accused Marley Stimson of being Hitler. He has been observed in hospital to respond to unseen stimuli and make odd hand movements.
[66] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [5.16].
Similarly to Dr Haeney, Dr Brereton considered to what extent Mr Stimson’s thoughts and actions were influenced by psychotic symptoms compared to the extent to which he had more prosaic, non-psychotic motivations. Dr Brereton identified the following questions as arising for consideration:
·To what extent did Mr Stimson commit the alleged offences because of his delusional ideas (eg, those related to Marley)?
·‎To what extent was Mr Stimson harbouring anti-authoritarian, anti-police attitudes, independent of his psychosis, and offended because he decided he would, in principle, defend his home from police incursion and refuse to hand over his weapons?
It was Dr Brereton’s view that Mr Stimson was psychotic at the time of the relevant events and his symptoms were severe in nature. Dr Brereton based that view on the evidence that Mr Stimson suffers from a severe psychotic illness and was becoming increasingly unwell over the preceding years. Also because of the comments that he made at about the time of the shooting and immediately afterwards at the hospital, as well as Dr Haeney’s initial assessment.
Dr Brereton concluded:[67]
In my opinion, Mr Stimson carried out the alleged offending as a direct result of psychotic symptoms. These symptoms led him to hide when the police arrived out of fear for his life. Even when he realised police were present, he believed they were being manipulated by Marley and he was convinced he was going to die. His thoughts were further confused by a conviction he would be resurrected and return as a werewolf. He was also experiencing some influence from entities, some of whom did not want him to act, some of whom were ambivalent. Overall, at the time of the alleged offending, Mr Stimson’s thinking and judgement were profoundly affected by his psychotic symptoms. He was barely in touch with the reality of his situation.
With regards to Mr Stimson’s antiauthoritarian attitudes. I believe these attitudes were engendered by his psychosis rather than representing attitudes he had arrived at through reasoning independent of his mental illness, or attitudes formed due to his underlying personality. Mr Stimson did not have a history of antisocial attitudes or behaviour prior to the onset of his prodromal period of illness. …
(Emphasis in original)
[67] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [5.24]-[5.25].

Dr Brereton expressed the view that it is not possible to separate an anti-authoritarian/antipsychotic sentiment from Mr Stimson’s psychotic illness. Further, he did not think that there is a reasonable way of accounting for Mr Stimson’s behaviour that is meaningfully separate from his clear psychotic illness at the time.[68]
[68] FDN 33, Report of Dr William Brereton dated 24 February 2025 at [5.25].
As I have said, Dr Brereton agreed with the view of Dr Haeney, that Mr Stimson was suffering from a mental impairment, which meant that his thinking and judgement were profoundly affected by psychosis, which had a direct effect on his conduct. This resulted in Mr Stimson being unable to reason about whether his conduct, as perceived by reasonable people, was wrong.
Dr Jessica Lowe - 5 February 2025
Dr Jessica Lowe was the author of the second report that I ordered on 9 September 2024. Her report is dated 5 February 2025. In it, Dr Lowe agrees with the conclusions of Dr Brereton and Dr Haeney that Mr Stimson “was experiencing untreated psychotic symptoms, reflecting an underlying Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia, at the time of his offending”.[69] On that basis, Dr Lowe also concluded that “Mr Stimson could not reason that his conduct was wrong, as perceived by reasonable people, in shooting the police and ultimately killing Sergeant Doig and wounding Sergeant Hutchinson”.[70]
[69] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 41.
[70] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 43.
For the purpose of her report, Dr Lowe interviewed Mr Stimson over two sessions on 13 January and 17 January 2025. Dr Lowe described Mr Stimson’s presentation over those two sessions in the following terms:[71]
His speech was soft and mumbling at times, frequently requiring clarification of his comments. His speech quickened when discussing his delusional beliefs, however he showed very little tonal variation. He did not display any disorganisation of his thought form; however his conversation became increasingly consumed by bizarre delusional beliefs. He did not appear to be responding to any internal psychotic stimuli through either interview.
… Mr Stimson displayed very little insight into his mental illness, the nature of his symptoms, or role of his medication.
[71] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 7-8.
Mr Stimson told Dr Lowe that he had been at the forensic hospital for one year and that he was feeling “better, clearer thinking, not a lot of voices in the head anymore”.[72] Mr Stimson admitted that the voices of his other two souls continued to talk to him “now and then”.[73] He stated he last heard the voices several weeks prior and that they were telling him he was “Saint Michael, the Archangel”.[74] He said that since taking the medication and the voices reducing, he occasionally felt lonely. At times, he hoped that the voices would come back so that he could chat to them.
[72] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 17.
[73] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 17.
[74] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 17.
Despite acknowledging the benefits of his medication, Mr Stimson did not believe that the symptoms he was experiencing were caused by a mental illness such as schizophrenia. Rather, he attributed his experiences to “spiritual, like I said angels and demons, and the things Marley was saying”.[75] Despite this lack of insight, Mr Stimson was willing to continue taking his medication as it alleviated the aches and pains caused by his souls and werewolf persona.[76]
[75] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 17.
[76] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 17.
During the interview, Mr Stimson set out his delusional beliefs about Norse Gods, reincarnation and his brother Marley, in similar terms as he had discussed with the other psychiatrists. For current purposes, it is unnecessary to repeat those details.
There was however, one matter raised by Mr Stimson that does not appear to have come up in the other interviews. In the context of discussing his delusional beliefs about Negan and Sans, Mr Stimson told Dr Lowe that Negan held generally anti-authoritarian views and that these were exacerbated around the time of the Covid-19 restrictions. He said that Negan would claim that the restrictions “were fake” and it “was all Nazi propaganda”.[77]
[77] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 32.
Mr Stimson acknowledged to Dr Lowe that his mental state had commenced deteriorating several years before the relevant events. He went on to outline a vast array of psychotic symptoms that progressively evolved over the years. He began feeling paranoid that someone was watching his house. He said that he felt as though voices were watching him through the internet and computers.
Dr Lowe asked Mr Stimson about the condoms filled with liquid stored at his house. He explained that he had them “because I thought I was a werewolf, I thought if I threw my piss at cars and windows it means I own them”.[78]
[78] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 31-32.
In terms of Mr Stimson’s state of mind at the time of the shooting, the account that he provided to Dr Lowe was consistent with that provided to Dr Brereton; it is therefore unnecessary to repeat it.
When Dr Lowe asked Mr Stimson how he felt now, reflecting on the offence, he said that he felt “regret” and that he should have surrendered over the firearms and then he would not have been at James Nash House.
In summary, Dr Lowe observed:[79]
In the 12 months prior to his offence, Mr Stimson appears to have developed an extensive range of entrenched delusional beliefs. These included that he was possessed by three souls who spoke to him (in the form of auditory hallucinations) as well as controlled his actions at times. He became preoccupied with religion and mythology and formed the belief that he was the mythical figure, Odin, and at times other deities with connections to wolves or dogs.
Mr Stimson believed that he was a warewolf with a half-dead, half-alive form. This delusion was connected to another belief that he could be reincarnated and had lived multiple lives throughout history (including as Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill).
[79] FDN 34, Report of Dr Jessica Lowe dated 5 February 2025 at 35-36.
Dr Lowe noted that since the relevant events, and since Mr Stimson’s admission to James Nash House, each forensic psychiatrist involved in Mr Stimson’s care has noticed the presence of frank psychotic symptoms and concurred with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Despite multiple trials of antipsychotic agents, at the time of Dr Lowe’s assessment, Mr Stimson continued to display overt psychotic symptoms.
He also continued to display symptoms consistent with the negative syndrome of schizophrenia, including avolition (a persistent lack of motivation to engage in or complete self-directed, goal-orientated activities), emotional blunting, social withdrawal and apathy. Dr Lowe explained that these symptoms appear to give the impression of remorselessness and emotional detachment from his offending, however, they more likely reflect the severely treatment resistant nature of his psychotic illness.
Diagnosis
It was Dr Lowe’s view, based on her assessment and a review of the collateral material, that Mr Stimson has a diagnosis of Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia. His psychotic symptoms had evolved over several years prior to the relevant events.
In addition to this, Dr Lowe noted that Mr Stimson has displayed lifelong deficits in his interpersonal interactions, emotional reciprocity, and ritualised behaviours. She said that these symptoms are highly suggestive of a comorbid diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Dr Lowe concurred with the views of Dr Haeney and Dr Brereton that Mr Stimson fulfils the criteria to be considered mentally incompetent under s 269C(1)(b) of the CLCA.
Section 269Q report
Pursuant to s 269Q of the CLCA, having declared Mr Stimson liable for supervision, the Minister must, within 30 days of the declaration, prepare and submit to the Court a report prepared by a psychiatrist or other appropriate expert, on the mental condition of the defendant containing:
a)a diagnosis and prognosis of the condition; and
b)a suggested treatment plan for managing the defendant’s condition.
On 22 April 2025 I ordered this report.
The report produced in response to this order was prepared by Dr Haeney and was dated 7 June 2025.
A central focus of the report was the treatment that Mr Stimson has received since his arrest and the level of success of that treatment.
On 16 July 2024, Mr Stimson commenced clozapine, a medication licenced for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, on the basis of his inadequate response to earlier treatments. Mr Stimson was able to tolerate clozapine, as well as the baseline and monitoring tests that are necessary with this medication. It was titrated to a therapeutic dose over several weeks, with blood tests confirming his compliance with medication.
Throughout the titration period, Mr Stimson’s previous antipsychotic medications were continued and then either reduced or ceased in September 2024, when the clozapine reached therapeutic levels.
Dr Haeney reported that, since that time, there has been a slow improvement in Mr Stimson’s mental state. Initially, on commencing clozapine, he began to report perplexity regarding his delusions. Intermittently, he continued to be observed shaking his hands, confirming that when he did so he was trying to shake off the influence of the entities that he believed were inside him.
Notably, however, when interviewed by Dr Lowe in January 2025 and Dr Brereton on 3 February 2025, Mr Stimson continued to report clear psychotic symptoms.
Due to his ongoing psychosis, Mr Stimson was commenced on amisulpride, an oral antipsychotic medication commonly used to augment clozapine. That drug has since been increased to its maximum dose.
Dr Haeney noted that ongoing assessments of Mr Stimson demonstrate a continued lack of emotional response when discussing his background, illness or offence. However, there has been a clear reduction in psychotic symptoms over the past three to four months. Mr Stimson reported that the voices he heard previously have ceased and the entities are rarely evident. He began to question many of his previous beliefs, no longer thinking that he was Churchill, but maintaining the belief that his brother was Lucifer, based on some of what he had said and done before.
For the purpose of preparing this report, Dr Haeney again interviewed Mr Stimson on 6 June 2025. When asked about his mental health, Mr Stimson reported it was “pretty good”. He estimated his recovery was about “80%”, although he was uncertain about what was needed to reach full recovery.[80]
[80] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.3].
Mr Stimson denied hearing voices “for a long time; a couple of months” at least.[81] When Dr Haeney asked about the entities he previously believed were inside and trying to control him, Mr Stimson noted that yesterday he experienced some shoulder pain and his first thought was that “it might have been Sans”, one of the entities.[82] When challenged, he acknowledged the pain could have been related to more mundane causes such as a strain caused by volleyball or a sleeping position.[83]
[81] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.4].
[82] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.4].
[83] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.4].
Dr Haeney observed, that in contrast to his previous delusions, Mr Stimson was no longer convinced that his brother Marley was Lucifer or Hitler. Instead, he had started to think that his brother deliberately antagonised him by mimicking the Nazi salute or drawing Swastikas around the woolshed at home.[84]
[84] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.5].
Dr Haeney described Mr Stimson’s account of his own background as “more confused”:[85]
When asked if he still believed he was Odin; he stated that “I think about it sometimes, I think about how I came to be”, clarifying that he meant how he became Odin. He could recall some of his other beliefs, associating the number 6 with Sex, Lucifer, Slaanesh (a Chaos God from a popular war game), and his brother. He was less convinced that the numbers 6 or 666 automatically related to evil, “unless it was associated with sex, or the devil”. He denied continuing to believe that he was a werewolf but did believe in reincarnation. He acknowledged he did not follow a specific religion, explaining, “I sort of pull from all over”.
[85] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.6].
Dr Haeney asked Mr Stimson to reflect on what has caused the change since he first arrived at James Nash House and he responded “it’s probably the medication; it’s been good, it took the voices away”, and “I don’t ever want to stop (taking it)”.[86] In relation to the shootings, he stated “I wish I never did it” and “I wish I could’ve gotten help sooner”.[87] He added “It wasn’t the officers’ fault”.[88] In the report, under the heading “Diagnosis and Prognosis”, Dr Haeney set out the following:[89]
Mr Stimson has schizophrenia. This is a severe and enduring mental illness characterised by so-called ‘positive symptoms’ such as delusions (false, unshakeable ideas) and hallucinations (perceptions without a stimulus, such as hearing imaginary voices). It also impacts on thought processes, causing muddled or disjointed thoughts and speech, as well as impairing volition and motivation. In Mr Stimson’s case, his illness was resistant to treatment, meaning that he responded inadequately to the first two antipsychotic medications he tried. He was therefore commenced on clozapine, specifically licenced for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. With time, and with additional antipsychotic augmentation, he is starting to show improved response. The degree of conviction in his delusions has markedly reduced, albeit not resolved fully. His auditory hallucinations have ceased. He is showing improved awareness of his condition and of the benefits of medication. He engages well with the clinical team and with the activities and therapies on offer. These are positive prognostic indicators.
In addition to his schizophrenia, Mr Stimson has a provisional diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviour. Mr Stimson was assessed for, but not diagnosed with, ASD in childhood. He will be reassessed for the condition once his schizophrenia has been fully treated. Nonetheless, the condition is strongly suspected, given impairments that are currently evident including in emotional expression and non-verbal communication.
Although illicit drug use has not been a feature, heavy alcohol use has been noted and Mr Stimson continues to display some consternation at the likely imposition of a licence condition precluding use. He has a complex family situation following his parents’ acrimonious divorce. Even as his delusions resolve, he remains steadfast that he wants no future relationship with his brother or father.
Mr Stimson’s prognosis is also impaired by the magnitude of his offence. He will require a very careful, graded approach, given the risks. His hospitalisation is likely to be for several years, at least.
(Emphasis in original)
[86] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.7].
[87] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.7].
[88] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [4.7].
[89] FDN 57, Report of Dr Owen Haeney dated 7 June 2025 at [5.5]-[5.8].
In terms of any future treatment plan, Dr Haeney recommended that Mr Stimson be committed to detention. Mr Stimson did not challenge that recommendation. Dr Haeney explained that he will require ongoing treatment in a secure environment which will include adjustments to his antipsychotic medications according to his response, serum medication levels and side effects.
Mr Stimson will also require further assessment of his underlying personality and for the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Orders
I fix a limiting term of life.
I commit Mr Stimson to detention.