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Psychiatrist Retracts Claim on Bondi Stabbing Suspect’s Motivation

Dr A, who treated Joel Cauchi, withdraws testimony suggesting the attack stemmed from sexual frustration and hatred of women, aligning with expert findings of psychosis.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Floral tributes are left in front of commemorative display boards on the first anniversary of the Bondi Junction attack at Oxford Street Mall at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney, Australia on April 13, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. This Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic Westfield Bondi Junction attack, which claimed six lives and injured twelve others. The NSW Government, Waverley Council, and Scentre Group are commemorating the event with reflective displays in Oxford Street Mall and support services for those affected. (Photo by Izhar Khan/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA On September 29, 2020. Westfield is a shopping centre in Bondi junction, a city within the Greater Sydney Metropolitan area.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Floral tributes are seen at a memorial site during the re-opening of the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre on April 19, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. The Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre re-opened for business on Friday following a stabbing attack on April 13, 2024 that killed seven, including the offender. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Dr A, the psychiatrist who treated Joel Cauchi from 2012 to 2020, retracted her claim that his 2024 Bondi Junction stabbing spree was motivated by sexual frustration and misogyny.
  • She acknowledged her earlier statements were speculative and inconsistent with the unanimous expert conclusion that Cauchi was 'floridly psychotic' during the attack.
  • The inquest has highlighted systemic failures in mental health care, including Dr A's decision to cease Cauchi's antipsychotic medication in 2019 and inadequate follow-up after his move to Brisbane in 2020.
  • Dr A faced intense cross-examination regarding her handling of Cauchi’s care, including her failure to provide a full clinical handover to his new doctors, which left them unaware of his deteriorating mental state.
  • The coronial inquest continues, with upcoming testimonies expected to address gaps in care coordination and the broader implications for mental health system reforms.