A MAN charged with murdering a pensioner in Limerick in recent weeks was again remanded in custody this week for a mental health assessment, as well as directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Philip Ambrose (43), of no fixed abode, is accused of the murder of 71-year-old Michael Hayes outside Mr Hayes’ home at St Michael’s Court, Watergate, Limerick City, on July 10.
Mr Ambrose was originally charged with Mr Hayes’ murder before a late-night sitting of Limerick District Court two days after pensioner’s death.
The court heard at that sitting that Mr Ambrose made no reply when charged with Mr Hayes’ murder.
He was remanded with an instruction from the judge that a professional mental health assessment be made.
On his last appearance in Limerick District Court, the judge was told that an assessment could take up to four weeks as, according to a letter received from the HSE, psychiatric assessments at St Joseph’s psychiatric campus on Mulgrave Street, located yards from the court and Limerick Prison where Mr Ambrose is being detained on remand, provides mental health assessments only on a part-time basis.
Mr Hayes was found with critical injuries at St Michael’s Court, Watergate, and despite best efforts by paramedics and doctors he was pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick hours later.
Mr Ambrose appeared before Judge Patricia Harney this Tuesday at Limerick District Court and was remanded to appear again on August 27.
Formal directions from the DPP are awaited in the case.
