Waterford Man tells court charges against him are due to antidepressants and low dopamine

A Waterford man has told a court that a number of charges against him were due to antidepressants and low dopamine.

Patrick Flynn (35), Kilcannon, Annestown, Co. Waterford, was before Judge Kevin Staunton, charged with one count of criminal damage, one count of assault causing harm, two counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm, and one count of burglary at a residence in Tramore on August 19, 2025.

Sergeant John O’Sullivan of Tramore Garda Station told the court that the defendant is alleged to have thrown a piece of concrete garden furniture through a window of a house in Tramore.

It is alleged that he then pushed the occupant against a cupboard and said he would “gut her like a fish” if she called the gardaí.

Sgt O’Sullivan confirmed for the court that gardaí were objecting to bail.

This was the second time a bail application had been before the court in the last couple of weeks, and Sgt O’Sullivan said gardaí’s concerns had not changed.

Mr Flynn, who was representing himself, told the court that the “chain of causation was broken” because he was “under the influence of an antidepressant and “low dopamine.” 

He said the alleged injured party had nothing to fear from him as he is now off his medication and “lucid.” 

Mr Flynn also argued that he was only refused bail previously because he was in hospital, but Judge Staunton said that wasn't the case.

The judge said that in relation to this application, he shared the gardaí’s concerns.

“I can see why my colleague refused bail. I think it is very unwise for you not to have a solicitor. I strongly advise you to retain the services of a solicitor and allow that solicitor to make an application for bail,” said Judge Staunton.

Judge Staunton refused bail and put the matter back to Tuesday, September 9.