RQIA Independent Review of The McDermott Brothers' Case

6.2.14 On 17 and 26 May 2010, multidisciplinary liaison meetings took place
involving WHSCT clinicians and managers involved with the case. The
meetings included discussion on the preparation of reports for the
disposal hearing, and potential care and treatment options for the
brothers after the court hearing, depending on the disposal decisions
taken.
6.2.15 On 7 June 2010, a report was provided by the WHSCT to NICTS in
response to the direction of 30 March 2010. The report stated that the
view of the WHSCT was that neither hospital orders nor guardianships
were necessary or required to address the identified needs of James
Francis and Owen Roe McDermott. The appropriate social and
therapeutic interventions could be offered as outlined in the report.
Individual social history reports in relation to each brother were
attached.
6.2.16 On 10 June 2010, the WHSCT Director of Adult Mental Health and
Disability Services wrote to the HSC Board outlining the position in
relation to the case. He advised that support from the HSC Board in its
role as commissioner may be required if hospital orders were directed
by the judge.
6.2.17 On 18 June 2010, the WHSCT officers who attended the disposal
hearing at Omagh Crown Court were:
• The consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in learning
disability who had prepared a report for the court and who was
called as a witness during the hearing.
• The social worker assigned to the McDermott family who had
prepared social work reports on each brother. She was not called
as a witness, but was asked by the judge if she was prepared to
act as a supervising officer for James Francis and Owen Roe
McDermott in relation to the issuing of STOs for each brother.
She stated her agreement to this request.
• The Head of Adult Learning Disability Community Services.
• The Suicide Liaison Officer who had been supporting the family
since the death of Peter Paul McDermott. He attended to provide
support to members of the family present in court.
The judge concluded the case and determined that the two brothers
would be subject to STOs for two years and sexual offences prevention
orders (SOPOs) for life.
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