Davin Godfrey, a survivor of the Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) scandal, is seeking a state apology from the Taoiseach for the suffering he endured due to what he describes as a "bewildering cocktail of drugs." From the ages of seven to 19, Godfrey received a regimen of antipsychotics, sedatives, and other medications that he states were inappropriate and unnecessary for his condition, which included autism.
These powerful drugs, including risperidone, quetiapine, sertraline, olanzapine, benzodiazepines, and zopiclone, led to significant physical and psychological consequences. Among these was severe weight gain and the development of breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia, which required surgical removal in 2023. Godfrey stated that at 13, his breasts were "larger than a 40-year-old lady," causing excruciating pain and impacting his self-esteem and ability to participate in daily life.
"It was chemical restraint – chemical assault. It’s poisoning," Godfrey said, questioning if his treatment constituted an assault under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act. He contends that he did not consent to the medications and that the treatment amounted to "wanton neglect."
A Childhood Impacted by Medication
Before being prescribed risperidone at age seven, Godfrey recalled a relatively normal childhood, characterized by sport and his passion for Xbox. However, the medication's known side effects, including weight gain and hormonal alterations, began to manifest. By age 16, he weighed 25 stone and struggled to find clothing that fit.
The side effects extended beyond physical changes. Godfrey experienced depression, out-of-body experiences, and hallucinations, which he believes contributed to his disconnect from reality and isolation. His education suffered significantly, and he missed key social events like his debs and did not receive a college offer after his Leaving Certificate.
Revelations and Recovery
The extent of the failures at Kerry CAMHS came to public attention with the 2022 Maskey report, which examined care failures in South Kerry. A subsequent review of North Kerry CAMHS, where Godfrey received treatment, known as the Halpin report, was published in February 2026, revealing similar issues of inappropriate polypharmacy affecting hundreds of children.
Godfrey's own path to recognizing the harm occurred during a routine appointment on February 1, 2022. The junior doctor reviewing his file at that time informed him that he did not require the multitude of medications he was on and began a weaning process. This intervention, he believes, significantly expedited his recovery.
However, the withdrawal process was described as "horrific and lengthy," lasting for about two years, during which he experienced severe physical symptoms. Despite this arduous recovery, Godfrey is now pursuing a law and politics degree as a mature student at the University of Limerick.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
Godfrey is determined to see accountability for those responsible for the harm caused by Kerry CAMHS. He is involved in civil legal proceedings, about which he must remain cautious due to ongoing litigation. He also awaits potential inquiries from the Medical Council and possible court trials.
Beyond legal avenues, Godfrey seeks a formal State apology in the Dáil, which he believes would serve as an "exoneration and a vindication" for himself and the hundreds of other young people affected. He is scheduled to meet with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to discuss this further.
Despite the profound trauma of his childhood, Godfrey expresses a sense of peace and optimism, quoting Seamus Heaney's line, "You have to try to make sense of what comes, remember everything, and keep your head." He credits the whistleblower, Dr. Maya Sharma, as an "absolute hero" and "lifesaver" for her role in exposing the scandal.