Courts / Wicklow / Report

'People are suffering': Judge criticises 'intolerable' delay in psychiatric reports

Summary

In a High Court hearing on 11 January 2023, Mr Justice Paul McDermott criticised the Central Mental Hospital for its delayed preparation of a psychiatric report concerning Bahaalddin Alshwawrah, a 43‑year‑old man charged with murdering his partner Zeinat Bashabsheh, aged 42, on 24 December 2021 at their shared residence in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. The judge described the delay as "intolerable" and warned that reports unavailable for months hinder proper court business. He urged the State to ensure the hospital has adequate resources and to set a definitive date for the report's completion. The judge noted that several trials were scheduled but none were ready to proceed, and that the case had been pending for a year. The matter was rescheduled for 7 February 2023. The judge's remarks highlighted the need for timely psychiatric assessments in criminal proceedings.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'People are suffering': Judge criticises 'intolerable' delay in psychiatric reports. Charges or matters: the murder of his partner Zeinat Bashabsheh (42) at the same address on December 24, 2021. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• December 24, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 7 Other
• Christmas Eve Other
• 2023-01-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

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Read the original CNI report