Cork man who allegedly went on naked rampage said to have 'acute psychiatric illness'

Judge made an order under the Mental Health Act for the accused man to be admitted to the Central Mental Hospital for a further period. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

A 58-year-old man who allegedly stripped naked and went on a rampage of criminal damage to cars and properties in Mallow was on Wednesday described in a report from the Central Mental Hospital as having “acute psychiatric illness, possibly schizophrenia”.

On foot of this initial report from the CMH, Judge Helen Boyle made an order under the Mental Health Act for the accused man to be admitted to that hospital for a further period.

Patrick Sibanyoni, of Dundanion Lodge, Blackrock, Cork, appeared a number of times before Cork Circuit Criminal Court last month, where it emerged his psychiatric condition seemed to be deteriorating during the previous eight months he had spent in custody.

The capacity of the Central Mental Hospital became an issue also during last month’s court hearings as it was not then possible to have him admitted to the facility.

The defendant 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 he was involved in this escapade while completely naked on May 19, 2025.