Judge orders man to serve term in Central Mental Hospital
A judge who imposed a prison term on a man ordered that it be served in the Central Mental Hospital.
The man appeared before a Naas District Court sitting and received two consecutive custody terms of nine months for harassment and making a threat. He was in custody and had been for a period of about six weeks.
Sgt Mary Meade said on dates between August 28 and October 28 2023 the defendant left threatening voice messages with a neighbour.
Some 40 messages were left and included pictures of the injured party, his wife and children which were taken from Facebook.
The threats included a reference to “blowing up” and driving a JCB through the injured party’s home.
In a victim impact statement, the injured party said the incident had left his wife petrified and he was concerned because his work takes him away from the family home during the day.
Judge Desmond Zaidan was handed a medical report and commented that if left untreated the defendant, who has no previous convictions, is a threat to himself and the family.
He said that if he could send the defendant directly to the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane, Dublin, he would do so.
He noted that the recommendation of a medical professional was that the man be referred to the CMH, though there is a long waiting list for a bed.
It was recommended that in the event of a non-custodial sentence being handed down, the defendant should be admitted to a mental health facility under the Mental Health Act until a bed becomes available in the CMH.
“I have concerns for him, he needs medical help. I should have the power to refer him to the CMH , but I have to impose a sentence.”
He added it was clear from comments made by the defendant including circumstances surrounding the death of his mother relating to the discovery of her torso, that he needs treatment for his mental health.