A MAN accused of randomly striking a 62-year-old woman at Maitland in a completely unprovoked attack on Monday has been sent for a mental health assessment.
Solicitor Kathryn Cooper said there appears to be no rational explanation for the behaviour of Jeffrey Jarvis, 40, who is alleged to have turned around and struck the woman in the face in Church Street about 4.35pm on Monday.
Mr Jarvis did not appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Wednesday or apply for bail.
He has not entered a plea to a charge of reckless wounding.
Ms Cooper said Mr Jarvis's behaviour appeared to be "incongruent and irrational" and she had concerns about his mental health.
Magistrate Brett Shields granted the application and ordered that Mr Jarvis be assessed at a mental health facility.
The matter was adjourned until February 17.
Mr Jarvis was arrested at Maitland railway station on Monday afternoon after allegedly striking the woman in the face and knocking her to the ground.
