Courts / Ireland / Report

Mentally ill man living in 'appalling squalor'

Summary

The High Court ordered the HSE to detain and admit a mentally ill man, aged in his fifties, to a hospital for medical treatment. The man, whose identity is withheld, has a history of psychiatric care and violent outbursts, and is considered a risk to family, women and vulnerable people. He has been diagnosed with emotional instability and Factitious Disorder, and reports hearing voices that urge him to harm others. After being released from a voluntary hospital placement, he lived in appalling squalor, covered in urine and feces, with his skin in a condition that could lead to sepsis. He refused cooperation with medical professionals, stating "If I die, I die." The HSE sought orders to detain him and make him a Ward of Court, while a guardian-at-litem and independent medical visitor were appointed to assess his capacity. The matter was adjourned to early next month. The unnamed man was convicted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mentally ill man living in 'appalling squalor'. Charges or matters: attempting to strangle his wife, and while he was in hospital he had assaulted female nurses attempting to care for him, counsel said. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Convicted

When:

• 2020-05-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report