Policeman faces court over fatal shooting
A police officer has faced court after being charged with murdering a motorist in Windsor two years ago.
Leading senior constable Tim Baker, who shot the victim, Vlado Mechetic, three times after claiming he'd pulled a knife during a routine traffic stop, faced court today over the fatal shooting.
Mr Mechetic, who had a criminal record, was pulled over during a routine intercept late in August 2013. It was believed he had stolen number plates.
Mr Baker claimed Mr Mechetic pulled a knife when he tried to arrest him, prompting him to fire off three shots in self defence.
He has been on extended leave since December 2013 and is the first police officer to be charged with murder since around the time of the Walsh St killings.
The magistrate heard Mr Baker was suffering from a number of mental health issues and investigators want a DNA sample.
His lawyer told the court there are concerns for his client's safety in custody, not just because of what happened on Union St but also because he's been a serving member of the police force.
The 44-year-old was remanded in custody until his next court appearance in January.
