News Service from House Harris

Vic: Man accused of mate's killing was fascinated with guns

MELBOURNE, Dec 9 AAP - A man who shot dead his friend and dumped his body outside a Melbourne hospital had a fascination with guns, a court has been told.

Nghia Trong Nguyen, 21, of St Albans, is charged with the manslaughter of 19-year-old Tim Nguyen, no relation, at St Albans on November 19.

The pair and two others were in a bungalow at the accused man's home when he pointed a sawn-off single barrel shotgun at the victim and fired, the Melbourne Magistrates Court has been told.

Tim Nguyen died from a gunshot wound to the chest. The accused then drove to the Sunshine hospital with his associates where the victim's body was dumped, the court heard.

The accused then sped off and returned home to destroy any evidence, Detective Senior Constable Stephen Sheahan said.

He said Nguyen placed clothing and a shotgun into a box and later threw the shotgun off the St Kilda pier.

When police searched his home, they found a handgun holster and magazine holster in his bedroom.

They also searched a car belonging to his girlfriend and found three types of ammunition and four shotgun cartridges.

He also had a book about handguns and material on a high-powered rifle downloaded from the internet.

Det Snr Const Sheahan said Nguyen told police the shooting was an accident and he did not know the gun was loaded.

The detective opposed a bail application out of concern Nguyen may have access to other firearms.

He also said Nguyen told police he was interested in firearms.

However, the accused was not licensed to own a gun and the gun used in the shooting was not registered in Victoria, the court heard.

The court was also told that Nguyen used methamphetamine daily but had been drug-free since being interviewed by police.

Nguyen's lawyer Charlie Nikakis said it was a sad case, given Nguyen had been friends with the victim since he was 14.

Mr Nikakis said Nguyen handed himself in to police, was cooperative and had shown officers where he had discarded the gun.

His family would be prepared to offer their property as a surety if he was given bail, he said.

Magistrate Anne Goldsbrough said she was troubled by Nguyen's propensity for violence and fascination with guns.

She adjourned the hearing until December 18 so a forensic psychologist could provide an assessment of Nguyen, who was supported by family members and his girlfriend in court.

Nguyen is also charged with offences including reckless conduct, using an unregistered handgun, possessing ammunition without having a firearm licence and failing to store a firearm or ammunition securely.

No one else has been charged over the incident.