A LAWYER has told a court that a female prisoner, who suffers from mental health issues, has been told that to go to a window and get a breath of air if she has a panic attack.
At Ennis District Court, solicitor, John Casey said that his client, Bulgarian national, Renata Baeva (40) has been “left to languish in her cell” in Limerick’s women’s prison since her arrest in May.
Mr Casey told Judge Adrian Harris that he has made repeated requests in court since May that Ms Baeva see a psychiatrist while on remand so that she can get the medication she requires.
Mr Casey said that so far Ms Baeva has not been able to see a psychiatrist.
He said: “The explanation is that there is no psychiatrist for Limerick prison.”
In the case, Ms Baeva and co-accused, Yavor Kostov (30) with different addresses at Stara Zagora in Bulgaria are facing charges concerning the alleged seizure of suspected herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €620,000 at Shannon airport on Monday May 11th.
Ms Baeva is on remand at the Women’s Prison in Limerick which is currently the most overcrowded prison in the prison system and is currently running at 154pc capacity.
Mr Casey said that there has been no update from Limerick prison in relation to consultation with a psychiatrist for his client.
He said: “This situation is just intolerable. Ms Baeva is a non-Irish national. She has no family and doesn’t speak English.”
Mr Casey said: “It is not good enough. She deserves to be treated fairly and properly. The medication is vital for her and her health is worsening.”
He said: “There is a duty of care to look after her. If she had a broken leg, she would be brought to hospital – it is no different to that.
Mr Casey said: “Ms Baeva is told that if she has a panic attack to go to the window and get a breath of air.”
Mr Casey said that his client will be going forward to Ennis Circuit Court on a signed plea to the charges before the court.
He said: “It is urgent for her to see a psychiatrist to help her. She has no way out, there is nothing she can do.”
In response, Judge Harris directed that Ms Baeva receive psychiatrist attention immediately.
He said: “I want the message to go to the Prison Service that this can’t continue and I want it to take all necessary steps for Ms Baeva to get a psychiatric assessment.”
In the case, Sgt John Burke told the court that new charges have been brought against the two co-accused.
The two are now also charged with importing cannabis with a market value of €13,000 or more contrary to Section 15B (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 on May 11th at Shannon airport.
The two face a second charge of the possession of cannabis with a value of €13,000 or more for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying the drugs at Shannon Airport on the same date contrary to Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 on the same date.
Judge Harris further remanded the two to appear in court on appear via video link from prison at Ennis District Court on September 9th.
