A 33-year-old individual accused of randomly stabbing a sushi chef during her morning commute in Melbourne’s CBD is mounting a fourth attempt to secure bail, this time relying on a mental impairment defense.
The Daylight Assault
Police allege that Lauren Darul stabbed 36-year-old Wan Lai in the chest on Little Bourke Street around 7:40 a.m. on October 2, 2025. CCTV footage reportedly shows the unprovoked attack, during which Darul clutched a soccer ball and a knife before fleeing. Ms. Lai sustained serious chest injuries, with medical staff initially concerned about a punctured lung.
“I’m still recovering physically and emotionally, and I truly hope the justice system prioritizes community safety,” Ms. Lai stated.
Recent Court Hearing
Darul appeared via video link from custody at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. The accused remained silent, fiddling with hair and drinking water during the short session. Lawyers revealed plans for a new bail application supported by a commissioned mental impairment report, which could lead to a not guilty verdict on those grounds.
Bail History and Revocation
Bail was denied in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in November 2025 but granted by the Supreme Court in December. Justice Rita Incerti approved release to a mental health facility under strict conditions, citing reduced community risk. However, freedom lasted only two days before revocation due to new medical evidence.
The court noted Darul’s daily methamphetamine use, severe mental health decline— including self-identifying as ‘The King of Australia’—and a pattern of escalating random behavior leading to the attack. Darul identifies as male and was previously held at Victoria’s Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s facility.
Crown prosecutor Richard Pirrie had opposed the initial release, arguing custody provided adequate treatment. Darul faces a history of 16 arrest warrants for bail breaches, nine convictions for failing to appear since 2022, and eight for offenses while on bail.
Next Steps
Justice Incerti allowed future applications if circumstances improve. Magistrate Brett Sonnet handled minor finalized matters, with the stabbing charge proceeding to a committal hearing later in 2026. Darul returns to court on March 2.
