A doctor did not send a prisoner for a court-ordered psychiatric assessment because the GP felt his case was “not unique enough”, a judge heard today.
Judge Paula Cullinane at Tallaght District Court made a second order that the assessment be carried out, after hearing that the GP had prescribed medication instead of making the psychiatric referral she had previously directed.
The judge told prison officers to ensure that the GP is aware of the order, and added: “Court directions are court directions.”
The court also heard an exchange between the defendant and his mother, who told her son to keep his head down and added: “You deserve a better life; I’m doing my job as a mum”.
The 21-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Tallaght District Court by video link from Cloverhill Prison. He is charged with breaching a barring order on June 29 last.
The order had been made at Dolphin House District Court on May 27, and the alleged offence is contrary to Section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018.
Addressing the court by videolink, the defendant told Judge Cullinane that he had been seen by a GP at Cloverhill, but the doctor had told him his case was “not unique enough” for a psychiatric referral and prescribed antidepressants instead.
“I understand I broke a couple of barring orders”, he said to the judge, “I broke up with my girlfriend and I just wanted to make things right.”
Prison officers confirmed to Judge Cullinane that the doctor had been aware of the court’s direction.
Judge Cullinane asked that the doctor be told again that the court had directed a psychiatric report. “Yes – 100%”, the prison officer replied.
“Court directions are court directions”, the judge said.
The man’s mother was in court and told the judge the medication was only “a plaster” and would not fix her son’s underlying mental health issues.
She told Judge Cullinane that she had been trying to get her son the correct medical help, but this had become difficult since he turned 18. She added that support through a drug rehabilitation centre might be available if he becomes more stable and drug-free.
The man spoke briefly to his mother via video link and asked if she could visit him.
She told him to keep his head down and do his bit, and said she would bring clothes in for him.
“You deserve a better life,” she told him. “I’m doing my job as a mum”.
He replied: “Maybe this could be the best thing to happen to me.”
Judge Cullinane remanded the man in custody at Cloverhill Prison to appear again on July 27, by which time she said she wanted the psychiatric report to be completed.