Singer and TV personality Kamahl cites mental health in intimidation-charge fight

Singer and long-standing TV personality Kamahl will fight allegations that he intimidated a woman via text messages on mental health grounds.

Kandiah Kamalesvaran, better known by his stage name, did not appear in person in Sutherland Local Court in Sydney on Wednesday as his lawyer applied to have the case dismissed based on his mental health.

“He is charged with intimidation,” Hill said, confirming that the charges stemmed from a dispute over a loan his client gave to the alleged victim, a 38-year-old woman.

There was a subsequent exchange of text messages between the pair, parts of which police allege intimidated the complainant.

The charges relate to a period from May 21, 2023 until March 10 and Kamahl is accused of causing the woman to fear physical or mental harm through his behaviour.

Hill said the singer’s cognitive and mental health would be a “major feature” of the proceedings, although he confirmed Kamahl had not been taking medication at the time of the allegations.

“Noting he is an 89-year-old man… I’m sure many people in the community would appreciate the cognitive differences between an 89-year-old man and other parts of the population,” he said.

Kamahl’s application to dismiss the charge on mental health grounds is due to be heard in October, while the case is scheduled to go to a hearing in November if he is unsuccessful.

An apprehended violence order was also applied for by police on behalf of the complainant.

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