'Serious' mental health issue in case of Mary Ward murder accused, court hears

Ryan Dunne

There is “quite a serious issue related to mental health” in the case of a Somalian national accused of the murder of his former partner Mary Ward in Belfast last year, the Central Criminal Court has heard.

Ahmed Abdirahman (31) is still awaiting admission to the Central Mental Hospital, and a “diagnostic clarification” is required before he can be assessed by an external psychiatrist, said Mr Justice Paul McDermott.

Mr Abdirahman, originally from Somalia and with a last address at Kinlay house, 4 Lord Edward Street, Dublin, is accused of murdering the young mother on September 25th, 2024, at her house on Melrose Street in south Belfast.

At the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, counsel for the defence, Oisin Clarke BL said that there were a number of issues with the case, with the accused’s mental fitness to plead to be determined by the court.

Mr Justice McDermott said that the court had received a report on the accused, which indicated that there was “quite a serious issue related to mental health” in this case.

Mr Clarke replied that the defence had also been encountering difficulties, as even during consultations with the accused there had been a lack of engagement.

Mr Justice McDermott said that the accused has not yet been diagnosed appropriately and remains on the waiting list for the Central Mental Hospital. He said that a “diagnostic clarification” is required, meaning the Central Mental Hospital must receive the accused and do what they can, before an external psychiatrist can assess him.

Mr Clarke said there was also a jurisdictional issue in the case, as the alleged offence occurred in Northern Ireland, meaning the accused must be given the option to be tried there.

The matter was adjourned to July 23rd next.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Alternatively, the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support.