Man ‘unfit’ for court hearing

A NIGERIAN man who is being treated at the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) is not well enough to answer public order and assault charges, a court has heard.

John Ughamadu, aged 25, was arrested last month after he was found naked in a Christmas crib in a Limerick church.

As no place could be found for him at the time he was held in a cell at Roxboro Road Garda Station.

The High Court ruled the detention was not lawful and ordered his release, once accommodation was found.

Ughamadu was provided with accommodation in a Limerick hotel by Limerick City Council.

But, within a day, he was asked to leave the hotel after an incident in which a staff member was allegedly assaulted. He has since been charged in relation to the suspected offence.

A bed was subsequently found for him at the CMH.

When the case was mentioned yesterday at Limerick District Court, Judge Tom O’Donnell issued a strong rebuke to the CMH for failing to inform the court of Ughamadu’s status.

Moments later, Judge O’Donnell was handed a document from the CMH.

He said this indicated the defendant was not well enough to attend court and he further adjourned the case to February 13.