Murder accused cries as he fronts court for first time

A man with multiple health issues accused of murdering a 62-year-old man has cried as he appeared in court for the first time. John Sheffield, 55, fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being charged with murder. It's alleged that on Monday night he fatally assaulted a 62-year-old man at Werribee in Melbourne's west. The man was found with life-threatening injuries inside a home on Everwin Drive, and was taken to hospital but died several hours later. Victoria Police arrested Sheffield at the property and he too was hospitalised before being charged with murder. His lawyer Jacqui Kennedy told the court the 55-year-old was a diagnosed schizophrenic who required fortnightly depot (slow release) injections. He also had epilepsy, diabetes and chronic heart issues, Ms Kennedy said. Sheffield at times cried in the dock and waved at family members supporting him in court. Prosecutors asked for additional time to compile the brief of evidence but Magistrate Felicity Broughton knocked back their request. Police have the usual six weeks to pull a brief together. One of Sheffield's supporters said "I love you mate" as he was remanded in custody and led out of the courtroom by custody officers. He is due to return to court in February for a committal mention hearing.