Report due for Kildare court defendant accused of rape

A Judge has sought a psychiatric report for a young man accused of rape, as well as other offences.

Judge Desmond Zaidan asked for the report during an in-camera (in private) court session of Naas District Court, which was held on Thursday, June 22.

The accused, who appeared via video-link as he was remanded in custody, was accused of committing criminal damage, burglary offences, in addition to rape offences in County Kildare.

The man alleged that the prison staff were not allowing him to him to see a mental health professional.

Judge Zaidan told gardaí present during the court session that when the accused last appeared before him, he suspected that the man might have underlying mental health issues.

He added that when he last dealt with the case, he put the case back to allow for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and he also ordered for the defendant to be assessed by a mental health professional.

A prison guard who also appeared on the video-call told Judge Zaidan that he would pass his sentiments on to his superiors.

The judge remanded the accused on continuing bail until the case returns to court on July 6 for DPP directions.

A psychiatrist’s report is also due on this date.