Progress finally made in saga to obtain psychiatric report for prisoner
The matter was heard at Waterford Courthouse
Delays in obtaining psychiatric reports for prisoners has become a national issue.
The reports are vital to progress cases, and are used to determine a prisoner’s capacity to plead.
Delays in obtaining reports mean that prisoners are being left in legal limbo. Such has been the case for a 35-year-old man in Waterford, who has been waiting months for a report.
Finally, progress appears to have been made.
In Waterford District Court this week, the 35-year-old man made an appearance before Judge Kevin Staunton via video link.
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 was also previously charged with assault causing harm against a nurse at University Hospital Waterford.
Grave concerns have been expressed for the man’s mental health and there have been serious difficulties acquiring psychiatric supports for the man while he is in custody.
The man’s defence solicitor is unable to take instruction from his client until a psychiatric report is completed and his capacity to plead has been established.
This week, progress was finally made, as the court heard that a report is expected to be available in September.
Judge Kevin Staunton said the delay to this point has been “very unsatisfactory”.
He expressed relief that “real progress” now appears to have been made.
