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Ciaran Mather, 13 Nov
A Naas District Court defendant poses 'a serious risk to both himself
and others', according to a psychiatric report conducted on him.
Last month, the Leinster Leader reported that Judge Desmond Zaidan
ordered that the man be assessed by a psychiatrist.
It was heard that the man allegedly attacked his mother with a knife,
causing injuries to her neck and hands.
On the latest court date (Thursday, November 9 last), the court was
told that the man, who appeared via video-link as he is remanded in a
prison medical wing at present, suffers from schizophrenia.
The court was also told that the man is refusing to take any
prescription medication to treat his mental illness.
In addition, the court was told that there is no free bed for the man
at the Central Mental Health Hospital (CMMH).
Although directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were
not available on the latest court date, Garda Sergeant Mary Meade said
that a file on the case was recently sent to the DPP's office.
"Please let the DPP know about his status," Judge Zaidan told Sgt
Meade.
The judge was also told by gardaà that when the defendant was cautioned
by gardaà on the date of the alleged incident, he said: "I will rip her
eyes out (referring to his mother)."
Judge Desmond Zaidan presided over the case. File photograph.
When Judge Zaidan asked the man if he understood what was going on, the
man, who appeared visibly upset, said 'yes'.
A few seconds later, he said: "I am ever so complicit."
Speaking directly to defending barrister Mark Gibbons, who was acting
on behalf of solicitor Cairbre Finan, Judge Zaidan said: "My fear is
that if he gets bail, he kills someone... and then he will be
demonised."
He also criticised the waiting times for beds at the CMMH: "The State
are failing to see that Ireland is no longer a country with three
million people.
"We are nearing six million, and there are also some people
undocumented on top of that too."
He continued: "Please tell the DPP that he has to be hospitalised under
security, but stress that he needs to go to the Central Mental Health
Hospital.
"I have read the report: it says that he is 'a serious risk to both
himself and the public', so don't say I didn't warn you.
"Also, if I were to release him, and something (unfortunate) were to
happen (involving the defendant), it will be yours truly who will be
debated, not the State."
The judge concluded: "He cannot go into the mainstream population of
the prison, he has to stay in the medical wing... he is also a danger
to you guys (referring to the prison staff)."
He adjourned the case to a date later in the month, to allow time for
DPP directions, and urged Mr Gibbons to liase with Mr Finan and the
governor of the prison in relation to the accused.
Before moving on to the next case, Judge Zaidan made another comment
about Ireland's rising population.
Speaking to Sgt Meade, he said: "I would also like to see more gardaÃ
on the beat.
"If you're seen, it makes a difference, as opposed to sitting behind a
desk."
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article,
you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) or you
can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text
HELP to 51444).
For further information about schizophrenia, including how to treat the
condition, please visit https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/schizophrenia/