Cork man in need of psychiatric care is in jail because no room in Central Mental Hospital

A Circuit Court judge complained of being completely hamstrung in a case where a man who has spent the past eight months remanded in prison but is in clear need of psychiatric treatment was directed to be sent to the Central Mental Hospital but could not be accommodated and remains in jail despite the judge’s order.

58-year-old Patrick Sibanyoni of Dundanion Lodge, Blackrock, Cork, was arrested in Mallow last May and charged with 24 counts of causing criminal damage to cars and premises in the town where it was alleged that he was involved in this escapade while completely naked.

When Mr Sibanyoni appeared back at Cork Circuit Criminal Court again today – 24 hours after being directed to be taken to the Central Mental Hospital. He spoke quietly to himself in the dock throughout the latest hearing.

Judge Helen Boyle said that the accused was clearly unwell and his condition was deteriorating while in prison over the past eight months: “I am not a psychiatrist but I have a report that says he is in urgent need of medical attention.” 

Prosecution barrister Imelda Kelly told Judge Boyle today (February 12) that even though the judge had agreed with evidence that the 58-year-old was unfit to plead and directed him to be taken on February 11 to the CMH this had not happened.

Ms Kelly said: 

“The CMH was not in a position to give your order effect because of issues of capacity.” 

Instead the accused was remanded in custody in prison again. Defence barrister John Colthurst said that everything was in order legally and judicially in relation to the decision finding the accused unfit to plead and sending him to the CMH but that the defendant was still in prison.

Judge Boyle directed the attendance in court of an approved medical officer from CMH to explain their position.

Judge Boyle suggested that she could remand the accused on bail on condition that he would go to the psychiatric unit of Cork University Hospital. 

However, Imelda Kelly said the prosecution view was that in circumstances where the defendant was found to be unfit to plead, he would not be in a position to give an undertaking to comply with any bail conditions.

Judge Boyle said: 

“I am being asked to remand him in custody when I have a report in front of me that his condition is deteriorating in prison.” 

The judge wondered if she should simply release the accused without bail conditions in the hope that a concerned citizen would then make a report that because of concerns for his welfare he should be taken into care and brought to Cork University Hospital – a course of action the judge herself described as clearly not optimal.

Judge Boyle said she wanted to put it on record that the defendant talking quietly to himself throughout court proceedings was not being disruptive but he was clearly in need of urgent psychiatric attention.

“In these extreme circumstances where the circuit court has yet again found itself hamstrung, I feel I don’t have any option but to remand him in custody. I want to impress on the director (of CMH) my deep concerns. We are completely hamstrung,” the judge said.

Mr Sibanyoni came to the attention of the public and of gardaí in Mallow on May 19 2025 when he smashed cars and the windows and doors of numerous premises at a time when he was walking through the streets naked.