De Rossa son ‘unfit’ to attend hearing

A SON of Labour MEP Proinsias De Rossa, who is charged with assaulting his father, was “not fit” to attend his court hearing yesterday as he is receiving “ongoing psychiatric treatment”.

Fearghal De Rossa, aged 45 of Old Finglas Road, Dublin, had been remanded in custody following a court appearance on November 12, accused of attacking his 71-year-old father.

He made no application for bail when he was charged under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act for assault causing harm to the former minister in Dublin on November 11.

Following another court appearance on November 16, he was transferred to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, south Dublin, for treatment after a judge heard there was “an issue in relation to mental health” and two psychiatrists had conducted assessments of him.

Yesterday, Mark Lynam, BL, defending, informed Judge David McHugh at Cloverhill District Court that De Rossa was not fit to be produced from the hospital.

The judge said he had received a medical note allowing De Rossa to stay in the hospital until December 15.

He remanded him on custody to appear on that date and said a note and a progress report would be required if De Rossa was unable to attend.

Judge McHugh also noted that the accused is still receiving “ongoing psychiatric treatment”.