Attacker believed to be ‘psychotic’
GARDAÍ are investigating if the chief suspect in the multiple stabbing that left a five-year-old fighting for her life suffered a ‘psychotic episode’ brought about by family issues just before Thursday’s brutal attack.
Gardaí believe the man, who has been suffering with mental health issues for some time, had a psychotic episode in the moments leading up to the shocking attack.
A source told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘His injuries, although serious, are relatively superficial, but his mental health is an issue that will delay his arrest. ‘Gardaí believe he had a psychotic breakdown. ‘They will now be guided by the medics in relation to that. There is no point in lifting him until these medical issues have been dealt with.
‘Detaining him now, if he made any admissions the trial would collapse. Medical experts have to take the lead and Gardaí will wait patiently till the doctors give the go-ahead.’
It is believed at this stage the attacker, who is originally from Algeria but living in Ireland for two decades, targeted the children at ‘random’.
‘This man targeted children in a brutal attack that shocked us all and there is no obvious motive to the attack. He certainly has no connection to the school.
‘There is a potential family issue, even though they are not even in the country.’
The suspect, who is believed to be a father, was arrested for possession of a knife and criminal damage to a car earlier this year. He was brought before a court in May, but a source said no order was made by the judge because the defendant was considered ‘mad’.
‘He was arrested for possession of a knife, charged and brought before the courts, but he was so mad there was no order made on the sheets.’
The man, who is in his late 40s, was living in homeless accommodation before he attacked three children and their care worker on Parnell Square.
The suspect remains in hospital after he was tackled to the ground and subdued by passers-by. He will be formally questioned by Gardaí once he is passed fit.