A man who broke into an apartment in Waterford during an apparent episode of psychosis was recently handed a prison sentence
David Manahan (61) of Apartment 1, Grange Cohan, St John’s Park, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a sitting of Waterford District Court this month, after he was produced in court from prison, and charged with producing an article capable of causing serious injury, contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990, burglary, contrary to Section 12 (1) (b) and (3) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, and trespassing in a building while causing fear to another person, contrary to Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. All charges related to an incident that occurred in December 2025.
Sergeant John Phelan outlined to the court that on 16 December 2025, at around 8:40pm, a woman called Gardaí after a man had banged on the door of her apartment. Sgt. Phelan said the woman stated that the man, who was identified as the accused, then entered her apartment with two knives, stayed for around five minutes, and waved them at her in a ‘threatening’ manner.
The woman identified the accused and he was arrested by Gardaí, where he later made admissions when interviewed. Photos of the knives involved were presented to Judge Staunton, and the accused’s solicitor, John O’Donohue, described them as kitchen knives.
It was noted that the accused has no previous convictions.
Acting for the defendant, Mr. O’Donohue said that his client was suffering from psychosis and hearing voices on the day. The solicitor stated that the accused had thought there was someone in his house, this was linked to drink and drug use by the accused, and that he had ‘no idea’ why he did it apart from the explanation of psychosis. Mr. O’Donohue added that his client is “extremely sorry” for his actions and wishes to apologise to the injured party and the court.
A victim impact statement was prepared and read by Judge Staunton, but not read out to the court. Sgt. Phelan also noted that the injured party was not present in court, but prepared the statement so she would not have to attend.
Mr. O’Donohue highlighted to the Judge that his client has been in custody since the immediate aftermath of the incident in December, and “improved no end” in relation to his problems. The solicitor concluded by saying that the accused “accepts his fate” but that he lives alone and has no extended family to turn to in Waterford.
Judge Staunton said that he was “somewhat sympathetic” to the accused, given the fact that he is a man in his 60s who has found himself ‘alone’.
However, the Judge also said that the court had to “pay attention to the gravity of the facts” and that “it must have been a horrendous experience” for the victim.
Judge Staunton added that at times, when reading victim impact statements, he feels that they can sometimes be slightly exaggerated, but indicated that the woman’s statement was not a case of this. As a result, he stated that he had to hand the accused a “substantial custodial sentence”.
The Judge sentenced the accused to 10 months imprisonment on each charge, which will be backdated to when he entered custody in December. It was indicated that the sentences will run concurrently with each other.
Judge Staunton also asked for Gardaí to notify the victim of the outcome of the case, and the “deep apology” that was offered to her by the accused.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
