A man accused of a high-profile crime spree with an imitation firearm has appeared in court for the first time since his arrest.

A man charged after an alleged rampage with an imitation firearm is exploring a possible mental impairment defence, a court has been told.

Simon Michael Davies, 48, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning for the first time since his arrest in October last year.

Sporting a beard and glasses, Mr Davies had a healthy appearance – a stark contrast to his bloody and bruised presentation from a hospital bed almost four months ago.

Magistrate Malcolm Thomas was told Mr Davies’ lawyers were seeking an adjournment for him to be assessed by forensic psychiatrist Rajan Darjee later this month.

Dr Darjee, the court was told, would be providing an opinion report on Mr Davies’ possible mental impairment and fitness to plead.