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Mental Health, Sectioning

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Bettyboo65

Member since
June 2022

354 posts

Hi, my person is really struggling and has tried to do the unthinkable. Will he still have to stand trial and attend court if not stable enough to get through it? x

Posted Tue April 11, 2023 11:29amReport post

majestictopaz

Member since
December 2019

499 posts

Have they plead not guilty? As that will lead to needing a trial.

The solicitor would be the best person to ask to arrange the needed assessments to conclude not fit for trial. If pleading guilty I'm not sure if 'not fit' counts as such as they won't need to do a typical 'defence', it is more expressing mitigation for the judge to consider in Thier choice in sentencing.

Posted Tue April 11, 2023 11:39amReport post

Confused&worried

Member since
June 2022

328 posts

I am a student Mental Health Nurse. Although I have little experience of how a mental illness will impact the trial, sectioning will only happen if your person is deemed to be at risk to themselves, others or at risk from others due to their mental illness.

The Mind website has great information relating to sectioning.

There are people within forensic mental health hospitals who are there due to criminal offences related to / resulting from mental illness.

It is a misconception that a mental health hospital is an easier option than prison. If under section, a person is not automatically released when the criminal sentence is complete, if they are not deemed well enough to be released from section, they will stay in hospital.

Posted Tue April 11, 2023 11:40amReport post

Polly Pocket

Member since
May 2022

440 posts

Post deleted by user


Posted Tue April 11, 2023 12:08pm
Edited Fri April 14, 2023 10:10amReport post

Bettyboo65

Member since
June 2022

354 posts

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I haven't heard from my person apart from one anonymous call and him telling me he's okay:(

Do you think the police will keep him there if they think he's trying to harm himself?

X

Posted Tue April 11, 2023 7:37pmReport post

Polly Pocket

Member since
May 2022

440 posts

Post deleted by user


Posted Tue April 11, 2023 8:07pm
Edited Fri April 14, 2023 10:10amReport post

Bettyboo65

Member since
June 2022

354 posts

Hi Polly, yes he's been RUI and found out 3:weeks ago that it's gone to CPS and since the call his mental health has nosedived:(

I haven't seen him since yesterday when he went out and then I got a call at 2.30am telling me he's okay, the number he rang from was a private number so I'm assuming after he did what he did that the police have him, wondering if they'll remand him now if they think he's a danger to himself and if they can do that at this point where there's no charges yet x

Posted Tue April 11, 2023 8:46pmReport post

Summer

Member since
July 2019

394 posts

It maybe he is in hospital and depending on situation he may not have his phone left at scene or in patient property and they let them use the departments phone which is often withheld number. Did he not say where he was it might be worth a call to the local hosp to see if he has been admitted.



depending on how he was found or if he has disclosed will depend if the police know about it.

Posted Tue April 11, 2023 9:12pm
Edited Tue April 11, 2023 9:14pmReport post

Daffodil

Member since
March 2022

965 posts

Post deleted


Posted Wed April 12, 2023 6:40am
Edited Tue October 24, 2023 9:12amReport post

WeeWitch

Member since
June 2021

74 posts

Hello

am so sorry you are going through this .

Here are some facts I am aware of through my profession and personal experience :

Sectioning is hard as so few beds available,even after an actual physical attempt to end your life . most admissions are 24/48 hrs in assessment units. If a long history of suicide attempts and dangerous behaviour plus significant diagnosis then an involuntary section may be put in place.

Re MH whilst RUI - I was advised by 2 solicitors and a police officer that an attempt at suicide ,and even a voluntary admission would not make any difference to capacity to plead/ stand trial. Also that if police felt further attempts or worsening MH likely or possibility of absconding, they are more likely to look at remanding into prison ...

sorry, I know that sounds harsh, but it's what I was advised. This situation is like hell on earth, and the worse thing I have ever experienced. xxx

Posted Wed April 12, 2023 8:30amReport post

Quick exit