Family of Cork man who died in prison to feature in documentary on psychiatric care

Andrew Gearns, aged 29, made an attempt on his life in Cork Prison in September 2020 and later died in hospital.

The grieving family of a Cork man who died in prison will feature in a new documentary examining how Irish jails are being used for people with mental illness with devastating and sometimes deadly consequences.

Andrew Gearns, aged 29, made an attempt on his life in Cork Prison in September 2020 and later died in hospital.

An independent review of all medical care in Cork Prison was recommended by a jury at the inquest into his death.

But Mr Gearn’s family is still pushing for answers.

Mr Gearns was vulnerable when jailed in Cork prison. 

He was suffering distressing delusions about being stabbed and had some six risk factors for suicide.

However, he was seen by prison medical staff for less than five minutes on the day of his fatal attempt on his own life.

The former engineer from Model Farm Rd was heard calling for his mother and father in the hours before his death.

His case is part of a special two-part RTÉ Investigates series, to be broadcast this Monday and Tuesday at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Investigates - The Psychiatric Care Scandal in Ireland will examine Ireland’s mental health system and how the criminalisation of mental illness leaves families and individuals impacted and abandoned by the State.

Some 20 ago, the State unveiled plans for psychiatric care in Ireland. Many old wards were shut, with a plan to open specialist services instead.

"Which should have meant opening up lots of facilities, healthcare facilities. It could have been assisted living, nurses, care. It didn't happen," a quote from the documentary says.

But without acute beds, patients with mental illness are being sent to prison.

To investigate the true extent of this, the programme travelled to court hearings and inquests across the country.

It spoke to the families of inmates and those working at the coal face as well as examining first-hand accounts, investigation, and autopsy reports.

It also visited the prison landings that are struggling to cope.