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Posted: 2018-08-01 04:10:18

Posted August 01, 2018 14:03:16

A Bangladeshi student accused of stabbing her landlord in an Islamic State-inspired attack in Melbourne's north has refused to stand for a magistrate.

Momena Shoma, who allegedly stabbed Roger Singaravelu at his Mill Park home on February 9, has been charged with attempted murder and engaging in an act of terrorism.

Appearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court wearing a black Islamic gown and veil revealing just her eyes, Ms Shoma refused to stand for Magistrate Sarah Dawes.

Ms Shoma is accused of stabbing Mr Singaravelu in his neck and shoulder while he slept alongside his young daughter.

The 24-year-old, who had arrived to study in Melbourne just days before the alleged attack, was staying at Mr Singaravelu's home as part of a university homestay program.

After the incident he was rushed to hospital for surgery.

Magistrate Dawes entered a plea of not guilty on Ms Shoma's behalf after she refused to enter a formal plea.

Earlier, Ms Shoma's lawyer, Grace Morgan, said her client intended to plead guilty to "appropriate charges".

Ms Shoma has been committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court, starting later this month.

Ms Morgan said she was "very optimistic" that the case's resolution would be "swift", and that it was unlikely there would be a full trial.

Mr Singaravelu and his wife were in court for the brief hearing.

In February police said they believed Ms Shoma was self-radicalised and was inspired by Islamic State.

Topics: law-crime-and-justice, courts-and-trials, terrorism, melbourne-3000, mill-park-3082, vic

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