Delays in getting psychiatric help for prisoners 'diabolical'
Judge Kevin Staunton said he is "very tired” of remanding people in prison who should be in mental health units.
An increasing number of prisoners suffering from serious mental health conditions are spending time in prison instead of dedicated psychiatric units, a court has heard.
In Waterford District Court last week, a 35-year-old man made an appearance.
For months, grave concerns have been expressed for his mental health.
The man has been in custody since December, charged with threats to kill or cause serious harm and production of an article intended to cause injury at a premises on Broad Street in Waterford city.
He is also charged with assault causing harm against a nurse at University Hospital Waterford.
It is alleged that while the man was a patient at the hospital, he attempted to strangle, choke and punch a male nurse.
The injured party said he wasn’t able to breathe during the ordeal and other staff members had to intervene.
There has been an ongoing saga for months regarding difficulties acquiring psychiatric supports for the man while he is in custody.
The case has been described by the man’s defence solicitor, Kenneth Cunningham, as “troubled and complicated”.
Mr. Cunningham said last week that the man is yet to receive a psychiatric evaluation, and that his family are very concerned about his mental deterioration.
Mr. Cunningham added that he cannot take instruction from his client until a psychiatric report is completed.
He said that the delay in getting those reports has been “diabolical”.
He also voiced concerns about people being in custody who should be in acute psychiatric units.
Judge Kevin Staunton voiced a similar sentiment, saying that he is "very tired” of remanding people in prison who should be in mental health units.
The case will come before Waterford District Court again later this month with a view to finding a solution to the matter.
