Judge says court case shows 'a failing in the system' amid concerns for man’s mental health

An 'Irish Examiner' report highlighted that a third of beds at the Central Mental Hospital are currently empty because of staffing difficulties. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A district court judge has described a case before his court as a failing of the State, believing the accused should not be in prison because of mental health difficulties.

Referring to a case before him at Mallow District Court yesterday, Judge Colm Roberts said: “Prison is not where this man should be.”