Murder accused 'unfit for trial'
A man accused of murdering his mother in an attack which allegedly began with a blow from a frying pan is still unfit to stand trial, a court has been told.
Samuel Ashby, 39, made a brief appearance at Perth Magistrates Court this morning, charged with the murder of his 68 year-old mother, Deann Ashby, at her Mosman Park home.
Mr Ashby has been remanded in custody at the Frankland Centre, the secure wing of Graylands Hospital, since his arrest in June.
Mr Ashby's lawyer Billy Harris told the court Mr Ashby was still receiving intense psychiatric treatment, and was therefore still not well enough to take part in the court process.
He will reappear again in August.
The court has previously been told how Mr Ashby allegedly hit his mother "unexpectedly" with the heavy frying pan as she was making his dinner.
Police will allege he then attacked her several times, causing severe injuries to her head and neck.
Neighbours had earlier said they understood the Mrs Ashby's husband, John, better known as Jack, had gone away for the weekend, leaving Mrs Ashby alone in the house.
Nearby resident Sara told The West Australian she heard several chilling screams coming from the home shortly after 6.40pm.
