Alex Ophel pleads not guilty in connection with the knife attacks at the ANU, the trial is about mental disability

The man accused of attempting to kill two women at the Australian National University has officially pleaded not guilty, but the court heard that his trial will focus on mental disability.

Alex Leonard Ophel is accused of stabbing two women and attacking two men at the university on September 18, 2023.

The women had to be taken to hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

Ophel, now 25, appeared in person before the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory on Wednesday (September 4).

He answered “not guilty” when two counts of attempted murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent were read to him in connection with his alleged attacks on the two women.

His lawyer, Tim Sharman, said the trial would focus on mental retardation, meaning defense attorneys would argue he was not criminally responsible for the crimes he was accused of.

Mr Sharman said he was still awaiting a full report on the matter and requested an adjournment as he hoped to receive it soon and present it to prosecutors.

He said he would tell prosecutors that the case could be handled through a “settlement judgment.”

The matter was adjourned until September 11.

Ophel, who was transferred to the Supreme Court earlier this year, remains in custody.