A DEAF man who stabbed his landlord through the face was jailed yesterday for three years by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
However, Judge Cyril Kelly directed that Colm Kellet be released into the care of the Probation and Welfare Service on Thursday at noon because he said prison was unsuitable for a person with his problems.
Judge Kelly said the case was unusual Kellet suffered from a severe mental condition that brought on anxiety and depression.
Kellet (29), formerly from Drimnagh, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Michael Foley and Mr Kevin Madden at South Summer Street, Dublin, on September 6th, 1996.
Garda Dan Murphy told Mr Paul McDermott BL, prosecuting, that Mr Foley was sleeping on his couch when Kellet woke him and stabbed him in the face. Mr Foley went to Kevin Street Garda station to report what happened.
Meanwhile, Mr Madden had come to the house and Kellet hit him with a hammer. Garda Murphy found Mr Madden with head wounds in the house. He was taken to hospital where he was given 16 "staple" stitches.
Garda Murphy agreed with Mr Brendan Grogan SC, defending that Kellet believed Mr Foley was "ripping him off" as regards rent. Kellet also suggested he had the hammer in his hand when Mr Madden came in and grabbed him by the throat.
Kellet knew both his victims well and there was no continuing hostility between them, Garda Murphy told Mr Grogan. Kellet was somewhat agitated at the time. Mr Foley received stitches in his face and on his tongue. He also had to have dental treatment for a dislodged tooth.
Mr Grogan said Kellet accepted he should not have reacted as he did. He had been disowned by his family and had lived for some time in the Granby Centre but was asked to leave after running up debts he couldn't repay. Mr Foley gave him accommodation.