Judge requests full psychiatric report on Cork man who threatened to 'chop up' woman

The court heard the accused is keen to get out of prison but was keen to continue with a programme dealing with his behaviour and anger management

Judge Sinéad Behan said there was a very helpful psychological report on Ruairí Lally today at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where it was suggested that the full forensic psychiatric assessment would be carried out. File picture: Larry Cummins

A forensic psychiatric assessment was directed on Thursday by a sentencing judge in the case against a 21-year-old man who threatened to kill a young woman where he texted another person saying that she was going to be tied, chopped and murdered.

Judge Sinéad Behan said there was a very helpful psychological report on Ruairí Lally today at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where it was suggested that the full forensic psychiatric assessment would be carried out. 

Judge Behan directed that this would take place. A probation report was also directed.

Defence senior counsel, Jane Hyland, said the accused, who has been on remand in custody since October 2025, was keen to get out of prison but was keen to continue with a programme dealing with his behaviour and anger management. 

“This course is helping him to manage his emotions where he feels that others are provoking him,” Ms Hyland said. Judge Behan said that supported housing in the community should also be put in place, even if it was through charitable services. 

Judge Behan remanded him in custody until June 25 for the psychiatric report and for arrangements to be put in place that would come into effect at the time of the defendant’s eventual release from prison.

It was previously outlined in court that the messages sent by the accused included: “I’m going to hurt her badly”. “Chop her open and stab her to death”. “Going to hurt you seriously. Tie you up and kick you to death”. “Getting you chopped up and murdered and enjoy every second of it”.

He pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the young woman on September 27, 2025, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.