A 45-year-old man was remanded in custody when he appeared in court yesterday on charges of possessing a knife at Summerhill College in Sligo on Monday
Mr Edward Philips, Union Place, Sligo, appeared at a sitting of Ballymote District Court under section 10 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990.
Garda Shane O'Rourke of Sligo Garda Station gave evidence of arresting Mr Philips at Summerhill College at 2.15 p.m. on Monday afternoon. He was brought to the station and formally charged there at 11.45 p.m. When charged, Mr Philips replied, "That sounds pretty accurate".
In court, Supt Kevin Ginty applied for a remand in custody to Castlerea prison.
Ms Leonie Hogg, for Mr Philips, said her client was a manic depressive and an alcoholic. He had been off drink for the past two years, but began drinking again two weeks ago. She said her client's mother was in court, and was prepared to have him committed to St Columba's psychiatric hospital in Sligo for treatment.
Mr Philips, addressing the court, said he had no intention of doing anything bad or hurting anybody. He said he had "snapped" and had "turned off".
Following requests from Ms Hogg for medical and psychiatric assessment for her client, Judge Oliver McGuinness remanded Mr Philips in custody to Castlerea prison, to appear again before Sligo District Court tomorrow. He directed that any medical attention required by Mr Philips be provided.