Told Laois gardai she wanted to stab someone

A woman who was suffering from mental health difficulties told Laois gardai she wanted to stab someone.

Judge Andrew Cody ordered that the woman, who is in her mid 30s, not be identified. 

“Mental health is not a crime but people need to get  treatment,” Judge Cody told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said gardai were called to a hospital in Laois due to reports of someone with a blade on April 13 last. 

“A distressed woman stated that she wanted to stab someone,” Sgt Kirby explained. 

“She handed over a stanley knife,” he added. 

On May 1, Gardai attended at a hospital in Laois where a woman was drunk and distressed. She told gardai she wanted to punch someone, he said. 

Sgt Kirby said the defendant has no previous convictions but has been “coming to a lot of garda attention” recently. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client has acute mental health difficulties. He said she had alerted gardai when she was caught with the knife. 

“She herself called gardai which could be interpreted as a cry for help,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

He said the incidents were completely “out of kilter” with the woman’s otherwise gentle nature.

He said the woman was attending services for anxiety and depression and had presented at a psychiatric ward but been sent home. 

“In the fullness of her facilities I am sure she wouldn’t be bothering the court,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

Judge Andrew Cody remanded the woman on bail and asked for a probation and welfare report as a matter of urgency. He said it was important that the woman takes control.