A 47-year-old psychiatric patient accused of allegedly harassing a woman has been granted bail on the strict condition that he reside at UHG, continue his treatment, and not contact the injured party by any means.
Robert Butler, with an address at 40 O’Connaire Road, Shantalla, was brought before Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court last Monday charged with harassing a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on a date unknown between May 24, 2009, and January 13, 2010, contrary to Section 10(1 ) and (6 ) of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Inspector Pat McHugh made an application for the defendant to be granted bail but on strict conditions which include that he be ordered to stay in hospital, not to return home, and not have any contact with the injured party either by phone, letter, or by third party.
Accompanying Butler to court was consultant psychiatrist Dr Elizabeth Walsh who gave evidence under oath that the defendant is currently an “involuntary patient” in the pychiatric unit at UHG and detained under the Mental Health Act.
When asked by Judge Fahy if she believed Butler was fit to plead Dr Walsh said that he was. Dr Walsh then said she would discuss these conditions fully with Butler.
Judge Fahy remanded Butler on his own bail of €500 to appear again on March 29 for DPP directions. The conditions of the bail included that Butler reside at the psychiatrict unit at UHG, adhere to the treatment plan and medication prescribed, that he must not visit his home nor the immediate environs, that he adhere to any supervised leave arrangements, and lastly not to make any contact with the injured party, either himself or through a third party, by letter, phone or any other means.
Inspector McHugh then informed the court that a doctor’s report which will outline Butler’s fitness to plead will be available by the next court date.
