Lawyers for a motorist accused of ploughing through pedestrians in the centre of Melbourne days before Christmas say they will explore his mental state and fitness to be tried.

Saeed Noori, a former Afghan refugee and Australian citizen with a history of drug and mental health problems, appeared in a Melbourne court behind security glass on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old is charged with 18 counts of attempted murder and one of conduct endangering life.

Seated between two prison guards, Noori’s eyes were downcast for most of the hearing.

“It’s alleged the accused deliberately drove a motor vehicle into pedestrians crossing the road at the intersection of Flinders Street and Elizabeth Street in the Melbourne CBD, with the intention of killing or causing really serious injury to as many people as possible,” read a police summary, tendered in court.

Twenty people were taken to hospital, including the alleged driver and the off-duty police officer who arrested him, after a white SUV ploughed through pedestrians on the afternoon of 21 December.

Eight people remain in hospital, two of them critical.

Noori’s lawyer, Tass Antos, said his mental impairment and fitness to plead would be explored as part of the defence case.

Prosecutors asked for longer than usual to serve a brief of evidence on the defence, which will include CCTV footage.

Magistrate John Hardy noted Noori was withdrawing from drug addiction and that he may have psychiatric and other illnesses and was taking medication for mental health issues. “It’s important that you continue to take your medications,” Hardy said.

Hardy also ordered Noori be seen by Forensicare as soon as possible. “They can only see you if you let them,” he said. “That’s your choice but I ask you to do that. Do you understand that?”

Noori replied quietly: “Yes, your honour”.

According to a police summary, a motive for the accused’s actions remains under investigation and further charges are being considered.

Noori was remanded in custody until his committal mention on 30 May. He made no application for bail.