A man has appeared in court charged in connection with the stabbing of two senior medical staff at a psychiatric hospital in Limerick city.
Dr Ananth Pullela, a psychiatrist, and his colleague Dr Catherine Burns, a psychologist, were both attacked at St Anne's Psychiatric Day Hospital on Thursday afternoon.
Dr Pullela was initially brought to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick where he was treated for multiple stab wounds, but he was subsequently moved to Cork University Hospital, where his condition is said to be serious but stable.
Ms Burns was also treated in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital where her condition is described as comfortable.
At Limerick District Court yesterday, Anthony McMahon (31), Raheen Square, Ballincurra Weston, Limerick, was charged in connection with the incident.
Mr McMahon is facing two charges of assaulting Dr Pullela and Dr Burns causing them harm on January 17th.
Garda Sharon O'Brien and Garda Alison Carroll both gave evidence of arresting and formally charging Mr McMahon, who, they said, made no reply to the charges.
Mr McMahon was granted free legal aid after his solicitor, Ted McCarthy, told the court that his client was in receipt of disability benefit. Insp Séamus Gallagher said the State was seeking to have him remanded in custody until next week. Mr McCarthy said he was not making any bail application "at this juncture".
Judge Tom O'Donnell remanded Mr McMahon in custody until January 24th when he is due to appear before Limerick District Court again.