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Council worker suffering with severe mental health issues when he threatened colleagues
Summary
Gary Kelly, a 40‑year‑old Dublin City Council plumber, was arrested at his family home after threatening to shoot two colleagues, Brian Fitzpatrick and John Maher, on 23 and 24 January. He had severe mental health problems, including a psychotic episode, and believed he was being followed by "drones, ISIS and other organisations." Kelly denied the offences and was considered paranoid by the arresting Garda. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was remanded in custody until 27 November pending sentencing. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case for two weeks to consider a psychiatric report, which recommended an independent forensic psychological assessment. The judge expressed concern that Kelly's risk of re‑offending would be high if he continued to drink and that he would only be released under a proper regime. No previous convictions were recorded. The case remains pending sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Council worker suffering with severe mental health issues when he threatened colleagues. Charges or matters: two charges of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to Brian Fitzpatrick and John Maher on January 23 and 24 of this year. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 23 Adjournment
- November 27 Adjournment
- 2018-11-13 Publication
Why: The arresting garda, Micheál Muldoon, said that he felt there was a mental health issue with Kelly from the "outset" because of his "outright denial" of the offences despite the strong evidence against him. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two charges of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to Brian Fitzpatrick and John Maher on January 23 and 24 of this year (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally said she if she could feel confident that Kelly could be released back in the community under "a proper regime", she may not impose a custodial sentence but she added she must be satisfied that "this kind of incident will not occur again". Kelly was remanded in continuing custody until November 27 next for sentence.; Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case for two weeks having considered a psychiatric report.
Places mentioned
- Glenville
- Glenville Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- immediately headed to the garda station
Topics
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