'I may have misspoken' - Judge apologises for criticism of prison management in murder trial

Eoin Reynolds

A psychiatrist has agreed to provide a report in the case of a Somali national accused of murdering Mary Ward in Belfast, having previously stated he was close to withdrawing due to the "dismissive and rude" behaviour of prison staff.

Judge Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court said on Wednesday that a judicial review may be needed if the prison failed to allow the psychiatrist access to Ahmed Abdirahman (32).

He added: "I might consider calling in the governor to see why the doctor is being treated in this way."

Oisin Clarke SC, for Mr Abdirahman, on Thursday told the judge that the prison has now agreed to facilitate a 90-minute virtual appointment. Clarke said the defence team expects the psychiatrist will provide a report in due course.

McDermott said he "may have misspoken" yesterday when speaking about the prison management. He added: "If I did, I apologise." He adjourned the case to April 22nd for an update on the progress of the psychiatrist's report.

Abdirahman, originally from Somalia and with a last address at Kinlay House, Lord Edward Street, Dublin, is accused of murdering Ward, who was his former partner, on September 25th 2024, at her house on Melrose Street in south Belfast.

He remains in custody in Cloverhill Prison awaiting the preparation of the psychiatric report.

At Wednesday's hearing, Clarke said the psychiatrist had attended for a physical visit in prison, but he felt the staff were “dismissive and rude”, so he left without seeing the accused.

Clarke said that a video link consultant was then arranged but cancelled with no explanation given.

Counsel said that due to the manner in which this case had been evolving, the psychiatrist was "nearing the point where he no longer wants to continue”.