Albany attack: Man in custody, another in induced coma in critical condition after his neck was slit

An Albany man in his 30s is in an induced coma in Perth after his neck was allegedly slit on Monday afternoon by a man now facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Keiran Michael Stead, 35, appeared in custody in Albany Magistrates Court on one charge of with intent to cause grievous bodily harm or prevent arrest wounded or caused grievous bodily harm. Represented by Michelle Gonsalves, Mr Stead applied for bail, which Police prosecutor Sgt Matt Hartfield opposed on the basis that Mr Stead is a “risk” and no bail conditions would be adequate to protect the community from him. Mr Hartfield told the court that Mr Stead allegedly walked into a Port Albany address, where he had been living outside in a van, and punched a wall and flipped a couch. Mr Stead then entered the victim’s bedroom and allegedly slit the back of the man’s neck with a 40cm thin filleting knife. A witness immediately called emergency services and the victim was taken to Albany Health Campus by St John Ambulance and then flown to Royal Perth Hospital on Monday night. Sgt Hartfield said the victim is currently in an induced coma and stable condition in Perth. A Royal Perth Hospital spokesperson has said the man is in a critical but stable condition in intensive care. Sgt Hartfield said the victim had spoken to police before he was taken to Perth but was unable to provide a formal statement. If convicted, Mr Stead faces up to 20 years imprisonment. Sgt Hartfield said Mr Stead had allegedly threatened a witness to prevent them from talking to police, and made “ranting statements” while remanded in a cell after his arrest, saying he would “stab all those people” when he returns to the address. When asked by Magistrate Erin O’Donnell if he wanted to say anything about his bail application, Mr Stead asked “How could they even accuse me of doing this in the first place?”. Police requested time to research the proposed bail address for suitability purposes. Mr Stead’s bail application was adjourned until April 11.