**Title: Man Charged in Melbourne Carjacking Spree Denied Bail**

A 48-year-old man accused of a series of carjackings in Melbourne while brandishing a fake gun has been denied bail. Simon Michael Davies appeared via video link from the Royal Melbourne Hospital during a court hearing on Wednesday. He broke down in tears multiple times as the details of his alleged crimes were presented.

Davies faces several charges, including aggravated carjacking with an imitation firearm, attempted aggravated burglary, assault, and making threats to kill. The court heard that his crime spree began early Tuesday morning and spanned from Tarneit to North Melbourne and the CBD.

According to police, Davies first assaulted a convenience store worker at a BP station in Tarneit. He allegedly struck the worker with a fuel container after being told he would have to fill a fuel can himself. Following this, he attempted to steal a Honda Civic before successfully carjacking a Mitsubishi SUV while threatening the driver with a small black firearm. After taking the SUV, he reportedly told the victim, "I'm sorry, I'll buy you a Lamborghini."

Detective Sergeant Jeremy Hart testified that Davies posed an "unacceptable risk" to the community. He noted that even though the firearm was fake, the fear it instilled in the public was very real. "The amount of innocent members of the public who've had to run believing this firearm was real … it was genuine fear that the firearm was real and that they were at threat," Hart said.

Davies was arrested later that day after fleeing into the Lancemore Crossley St hotel, where he was pursued by police. He was found in a staff elevator and taken into custody. During the arrest, he sustained multiple injuries, including a broken arm, fractured ribs, and a fractured eye socket.

His defense attorney, Felix Best, argued for bail, stating that Davies was a "vulnerable person" due to his mental health issues. Best explained that if granted bail, Davies would be made an involuntary patient at the hospital, meaning he would not be allowed to leave.

However, prosecutors opposed the bail application, emphasizing the danger Davies posed to the community. Magistrate Donna Bakos was expected to make a decision on the bail request later that evening.

Davies has a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and had not sought treatment since 2016. His alleged actions have raised significant concerns about public safety and the need for mental health intervention.