Andrew Newman, 27, appeared in Wollongong District Court this week charged with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm and occasioning actual bodily harm.

Police allege he attacked his parents John and Vicki Newman in their Batemans Bay home on January 30. The couple was dismantling a study desk at their Batemans Bay home, so Newman could take it to the flat he was moving into, when Newman appeared in the doorway brandishing a tomahawk.

He allegedly struck his father on the right side of the face, causing a gash that was 20cm long and up to 10cm deep.

He then allegedly hit his mother in the back with the axe, causing a 5cm cut.

Mrs Newman managed to escape from the room while her husband attempted to restrain and disarm their son. Mr Newman wrestled his son to the ground and held him while Mrs Newman sought help from builders working on a neighbouring site.

Mr and Mrs Newman were taken to Batemans Bay Hospital for treatment before Mr Newman was taken to Canberra for plastic surgery.

The medical and applied biology

graduate has been psychologically assessed and the court heard he had severe schizophrenia. Two psychologists - one for the Director of Public Prosecutions, the other for the defence - both formed the same view.

His barrister Jane Healey said she would apply to have her client tried by a judge alone, dispensing with a jury. She said he was doing well now that his condition was being managed.

The trial is set for December 11.