Last December, Saeed Noori (photo right), an Afghan Muslim jihadist plowed his vehicle into pedestrians at one of Melbourne CBD’s busiest intersections before shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he was arrested by an off-duty policeman. But his defense lawyers say they likely will use “mental issues” as a defense.

Daily Mail (h/t Sara) Saeed Noori allegedly drove his mother’s Suzuki SUV into pedestrians outside Flinders Street Station, including one elderly man who later died. Prosecutors also allege Noori’s computer was found to have images of car terror attacks from around the world. Saeed Noori allegedly drove his mother’s Suzuki SUV into pedestrians outside Flinders Street Station, including one elderly man who later died. Prosecutors also allege Noori’s computer was found to have images of car terror attacks from around the world.

The 33-year-old has faced the first day of a Melbourne Magistrates Court committal hearing charged with one count of murder and 15 counts of attempted murder. Noori allegedly hit 16 pedestrians at the busy crossing at Flinders and Elizabeth streets, while other people were struck by flying bodies in chaotic scenes.

Off-duty police Sergeant Francis Adams was nearby and rushed to the car, which stopped when it hit a bollard and had Middle Eastern-style music playing.

“Sergeant Adams said to the accused he was under arrest and the accused said Allahu Akbar two or three times,” prosecutor Mark Gibson SC said.

After the incident, Noori’s home computer was found to have images of recent car attacks in London in the UK, Barcelona in Spain and Charlottesville in the US, Mr Gibson said.

A reconstruction of the scene determined the SUV was travelling between 47 km/h and 53 km/h when Noori allegedly drove through a red light and into pedestrians about 4.30pm that Thursday. Northcote man Antonios “Anton” Crocaris, 83, died eight days later from head injuries.

Before the incident, Noori visited two hire car outlets and inquired about SUVs but could not rent one because of bank card issues, prosecutors say. He then visited his mother’s Oak Park home, leaving in her car and driving to the CBD where he carried out the alleged attack.