Courts / Dublin / Report

'Serious' mental health issue in case of Somalian national charged with murder of Mary Ward, court hears

Summary

In a Belfast murder case, the Central Criminal Court heard that Ahmed Abdirahman, a 31‑year‑old Somalian national, faces a serious mental health issue. He is accused of killing his former partner, Mary Ward, on 25 September 2024 at her Melrose Street home. Abdirahman is still awaiting admission to the Central Mental Hospital, where a diagnostic clarification is required before an external psychiatrist can assess his fitness to plead. The court noted that he has not yet been properly diagnosed and remains on the hospital's waiting list. Defence counsel Oisin Clarke highlighted difficulties in engaging with the accused and raised a jurisdictional issue, as the offence occurred in Northern Ireland, requiring the option of trial there. The matter was adjourned to 23 July 2025.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Serious' mental health issue in case of Somalian national charged with murder of Mary Ward, court hears. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• September 25, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 23 Adjournment
• 2025-06-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report