Courts / Dublin / Report
Mentally ill man in danger of being 'put on the street' is offered accommodation
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 23 November 2020, Judge Martin Nolan faced a dilemma over the release of 26‑year‑old John Delaney, who had no fixed abode and was awaiting trial for assault, intimidation and criminal damage at the Fr Peter McVerry shelter. Delaney was on the waiting list for the Central Mental Hospital, which was full, and had spent nine months in Portlaoise prison. After a consultant psychiatrist confirmed Delaney was unfit to stand trial, the judge remanded him in custody but later ordered his immediate release, citing the lack of accommodation. The Peter McVerry Trust was found to provide housing, and Delaney was referred to Tallaght Mental Health Services for treatment. Dr John Francis Kelly, a psychiatrist, noted Delaney's deteriorating autistic spectrum disorder and his inability to understand the proceedings. The court thanked all parties and hoped the new arrangements would benefit Delaney.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mentally ill man in danger of being 'put on the street' is offered accommodation. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- February 18 Incident
- 2020-11-23 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: When the judge suggested that he would have to release Mr Delaney immediately, Mr Delaney asked the judge: "Where am I going to stay?" Judge Nolan commented: "We are literally putting this man out on the street." The judge remanded Delaney in continuing custody until today, when the court heard accommodation had been found for Mr Delaney with the Peter McVerry Trust.
Places mentioned
- Central Mental Hospital
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise prison
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
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