Prisoner openly discusses his mental anguish before Kildare court

A prisoner who appeared in Naas District Court on Thursday, January 11 last detailed his mental anguish to Judge Desmond Zaidan.

The man, who is currently serving a custodial sentence on other matters, asked the judge to make an order related to medication to treat his mental health issues.

The exact nature of the offence he was in court for on the date in question was not disclosed.

He explained that he 'hasn't slept in three months' because of the present medication he is on.

"I've been in 20 or 30 different mental health programmes, I think I know the meds I need," he said: “I've been having nervous breakdowns left, right and centre.

"My head is up my a**e," he added.

He also said that he is struggling to concentrate in an educational programme, and showed the judge scars on one of his forearms; he said that he had been self-harming.

He further said that while he wants to exercise in prison, his mood has been so low, that some days he finds it hard to even leave his bed.

"The prison is telling me that they're giving me the (correct) meds but they're not, it's f**king my head up. I'm sorry, Judge," he said.

After a brief back and forth, Judge Zaidan sent the man forward to Naas Circuit Criminal Court for a date later this month for sentencing.

He also ordered that the man receive the correct medical attention in prison, which the man thanked him for.

In addition, the judge recommended for a doctor be present on the sentencing date.

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