Cork man in need of urgent psychiatric care remanded in jail due to lack of room at CMH

Judge Helen Boyle, who said the accused was clearly unwell and his condition was deteriorating while in prison over the past eight months, said: 'I am not a psychiatrist but I have a report that says he is in urgent need of medical attention.'

Judge Boyle directed the attendance in court of an approved medical officer from the Central Mental Hospital to explain their position. File picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A Circuit Court judge complained of being completely hamstrung in a case where a man who has spent the past eight months remanded in prison but is in clear need of psychiatric treatment was directed to be sent to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) but could not be accommodated and remains in jail despite the judge’s order.

58-year-old Patrick Sibanyoni of Dundanion Lodge, Blackrock, Cork, was arrested in Mallow last May and charged with 24 counts of causing criminal damage to cars and premises in the town where it was alleged that he was involved in this escapade while completely naked.