Man charged over attempting to strangle a nurse at University Hospital Waterford
Kenneth Cunningham, acting in defence of the accused, described the case as “troubled and complicated” last week.
An ongoing saga relating to a lack of mental health supports for a 35-year-old man who is alleged to have assaulted a nurse was raised once again in Waterford District Court last week.
The man, who is of no fixed abode, has been in custody since December on a number of separate charges.
There have been difficulties acquiring psychiatric supports for him while in custody, and grave concerns have been expressed for the man’s mental health.
Kenneth Cunningham, acting in defence of the accused, described the case as “troubled and complicated” last week.
He added that a psychiatric report is still not available, but that he hopes the matter is nearing a conclusion.
The man is charged with threats to kill or cause serious harm and possession of an imitation firearm at a premises on Broad Street in December 2025. He is also charged with assault causing harm at UHW.
Details into this alleged incident at UHW were heard before the court last week.
It is alleged that while the man was a patient at the hospital's Department of Psychiatry, 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.
The accused will be produced in person next month at Waterford Courthouse to try progress matters.
