Man ‘is a serious danger to both himself and others’, Kildare court told

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 gardaí that when the defendant was cautioned by gardaí 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 gardaí 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/