Man who appeared in court 'like a caged animal' should be in a mental hospital says judge

'This is not fair, we live in a civilised society'

A man  appeared before Naas District Court “like a caged animal” , the sitting judge.

He was commenting on the welfare of the man and said he needs to be in the Central Mental Hospital - not in prison.

The man faces an allegation of  defacing a property and making a threat which has put the injured party in fear of their life.

The man talked incessantly throughout the hearing making a raft of allegations to the effect that he had been mistreated in custody and was himself handcuffed as well as being handcuffed to one of five prison officers, who accompanied him.

His trousers were open and his underwear was visible in court.

“This is a fellow human being; he is seriously unwell and he is a danger to himself and the public. This is not fair, we live in a civilised society. Let’s assume he’s guilty, he still doesn’t deserve to be treated like this,” said  Judge Desmond Zaidan, noting that he has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder condition.

The judge noted that the man had spent seven days in custody at Cloverhill Prison adding “the Central Mental Hospital is where he belongs.”

The judge said the man’s condition had worsened since being remanded in custody.

“I am so disappointed that the State has allowed this to happen; this man needs doctors, not lawyers.”

He said it was not his function to fill in for the State’s failures and he noted that the man was still wearing the same clothing and underwear seven days later.

The judge said the man should be taken from prison to the Central Mental Hospital  and he said that if necessary a high court order should be secured directing that a bed be found for him.

Following an adjournment, it transpired that efforts to find a bed were unsuccessful and he was remanded in custody again.

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A mental health professional appeared by videolink at a subsequent hearing and told Judge Zaidan that the man was being detained on a healthcare landing in Cloverhill Prison and the man had indicated he was happy to go to hospital. It is likely that the man will ultimately be admitted to Portlaoise Hospital.

The court was  also told that there are some 20 people who require admission to the Central Mental Hospital and the defendant “is not close to the top of that list.”

The defendant was remanded in custody again to Cloverhill District Court and the judge was told that an updated medical report on the defendant’s condition will be provided to the court.