Legal News
Unfinished Psychiatric Report Left Mentally Ill Woman in Jail over Christmas (10 January 2012)
Date: 10/01/2012
A woman suffering from mental health issues was forced to remain in prison over Christmas after psychiatrists failed to complete her psychiatric report, a court has been told. Maria Rolls, 52, was arrested after smashing mirrors on a bus on July the 12th 2011. During her court hearing, she requested that magistrates offer her the help that she required. They adjourned her case from December the 12th to provide time to complete a psychiatric report, despite her admitting being guilty to causing criminal damage. Ms. Rolls was finally released from custody on January the 3rd and was informed that she was not required to meet the cost of a £65 fine or court costs due to the amount of time she had served.
Ms. Rolls’ criminal law solicitors, Jeffrey Gordon, informed South Western Magistrates Court that his client had felt disappointed that the psychiatric report had not been written up and that his client was forced to spend an additional three weeks in custody. Earlier, Mr. Gordon had informed the court that Ms. Rolls had experienced many misfortunes and disappointments throughout the course of her life.
Following sentencing, Ms. Rolls, of Surrey, told magistrates that she was sorry for her actions and could contribute to society, if she were provided with the help she required. Dr. Sophie Picken, lead magistrate, suggested that Ms. Rolls enrolled on a course for individuals with psychiatric disorders.
Duncan Lewis’ mental health solicitors work to protect the rights of clients with mental health issues.