Court hears man is awaiting response from mental health services

A man charged with causing significant damage to Athlone Garda Station and a number of Garda vehicles using a beer keg is still awaiting a response from Ballinasloe Mental Health Services regarding the support that would be available to him should he be released on bail.

Adil Muhammad (38), of no fixed abode was refused bail on January 26th of this year, with “a window left open” by Judge Bernadette Owens at Athlone District Court for what might transpire on foot of the necessary psychiatric report.

The initial report recommended “certain conditions” be put in place should Mr Muhammad be released from prison, including that he attend appointments.

His former partner offered up her home in Ballinasloe as an address at which he can reside.

Sergeant Sandra Keane, prosecuting, told the court that a file has been completed for the Director of Public Prosecutions and she expects to have DPP directions within two weeks.

Solicitor Mark Cooney, for the accused, said that psychiatric services had not yet been able to follow up regarding engagement with Ballinasloe Mental Health Services and he was requesting a further two-week adjournment.

Judge Owens noted “time passing”, as the accused man has been in custody since January 26th on these matters and was hoping to be released on bail, but acknowledged his consent to a further remand in custody.

All charges relate to January 25th, 2026, at Athlone Garda Station, Barrack Street, Athlone.

An estimate of the cost of the damage caused to the Garda Station itself came in at just under €23,000.

Judge Owens remanded the accused in custody for a further two weeks, pending a response from Ballinasloe and directions from the DPP.

He will reappear before the court on April 1st.

Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.