Garda praised by Kildare Judge for saving suicidal woman

A garda was praised by a Naas District Court Judge for stopping a woman who attempted to take her own life.

Garda Shauna Haugh was praised by Judge Desmond Zaidan during a court case heard at Naas District Court on Thursday, June 22.

Judge Zaidan previously imposed reporting restrictions on the case, which concerned a young woman who was suffering from a personality disorder.

He also previously voiced concerns for the woman’s mental wellbeing.

She appeared in court via video-link on the date in question, and claimed that she was not receiving any medication for her condition while in custody.

Gardaí said that the woman had previously been in psychiatric care, and had been abusive to workers and patients in a Kildare hospital on a date earlier this year.

A garda noted to Judge Desmond Zaidan that the woman’s behaviour seemed to be 'a cry for help.'

It was also heard that when she was brought to a nearby garda station, she attempted to take her own life.

However, Garda Haugh noticed this and stopped her from doing so.

The woman then became angry and attacked Garda Haugh, and dug her nails into the garda’s hands, causing some bleeding.

She has been remanded in custody since the incidents, and she has admitted that she has very little recollection of committing the offences.

Garda Haugh was present in the court and told Judge Zaidan about the incident. She said that while she still had some slight marks on her hands, she was 'OK now.'

Photos of the injury were also shown to the judge.

Judge Zaidan commended Garda Hawke for saving the woman’s life, and said that it appeared that while the woman intended to take her own life, she did not intend to attack the garda, and simply 'reacted'; a sentiment which Garda Haugh said she agreed with.

Another garda told Judge Zaidan that they have had around 49 dealings with the woman, concerning public order matters.

Judge Desmond Zaidan ultimately decided that while the woman was unwell, she still maintained some mental capacity during the incidents, and sentenced her to serve four-months in custody for the assault on Garda Haugh.

However, he set her appeal at €150, and also agreed to backdate the sentence to when she first entered into custody back in March.

The judge took the public order incident at the hospital into consideration.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or [email protected]) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).