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'Burden of work' on psychiatrists leading to long delays in murder trials

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 23 October 2024, Mr Justice Paul McDermott highlighted that murder trials are being delayed because psychiatrists at the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) cannot provide private reports for the courts. He spoke to lawyers in 13 murder cases where the accused's psychiatric condition is a potential issue. Both defence and the Director of Public Prosecutions reported mixed success in securing consultant psychiatrists willing to produce court reports. The judge explained that psychiatrists are overworked, with duties extending beyond contracted hours, leaving no time for private work. He also noted that psychiatrists may be barred from reporting if they treat the accused as a CMH patient, and that some legal teams complain about inadequate payment from the legal aid system. Mr Justice McDermott said he would continue to monitor progress but has no control over securing psychiatrists, stating his hands are tied.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Burden of work' on psychiatrists leading to long delays in murder trials. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• 2024-10-23 Publication

Why: " The judge noted a further problem that psychiatrists being asked to provide reports for the court may be barred from doing so because they are treating the accused person as a patient in the CMH. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report