Young Cork man who allegedly stabbed his own mother is charged with attempted murder

It is believed the 31-year-old has schizophrenia

A Cork man has been charged with the attempted murder of his 62-year-old mother, Mary Coughlan.

He has also been charged with an assault causing her serious harm. 31-year-old Gearoid Coughlan stabbed his mother on June 4. She was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but has since been discharged to recover at home in Innishannon. The retired teacher was found with serious stab wounds in her West Cork home. Detective Garda Peter Nolan told the Bandon court that Mr. Coughlan was also charged with the theft of several cans of alcohol and a bottle of gin in late May. He did not respond to the charges in court, according to reports. The 31-year-old has been remanded in custody and will appear before the Cork Circuit Criminal Court on September 2nd. Mr. Coughlan is also due to appear at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. He is awaiting a decision to see if he is fit to stand trial. It is believed the 31-year-old has schizophrenia. He reportedly stopped taking his medication and has been waiting on a bed in the Central Mental Hospital for some time. Consultant psychiatrist in Cork Prison, Dr. Eugene Morgan said the Cork man has a history of paranoid schizophrenia and polysubstance drug abuse. Judge McNulty said Mr Coughlan's condition would decrease further if he was released. His defence has called for free legal aid and asked for both junior and senior counsel to be available at his upcoming court dates.