Updated 11.20

The High Court has heard Australian Samantha Azzopardi (25) is free to leave the care of the Health Service Executive.

However, the woman, who was originally believed to be a teenager when found wandering on O’Connell Street in a distressed state last month, will continue to receive psychiatric assistance.

The mystery woman was identified earlier this week when gardaí released her photograph to the public as part of Operation Shepherd.

Gardaí believed she was as young as 14, and that she was possibly a victim of child trafficking when they found her wandering by the GPO on October 10th.

She was placed in HSE care. This morning the childcare order that provided the basis for her detention expired.

Tim O’Leary SC, for the HSE, has informed the High Court that a psychiatric assessment of the woman was carried out yesterday afternoon.

He said a very fulsome report concluded she is not suffering from a disorder under the mental health acts but that she has a particular condition that makes her vulnerable.

He said she is happy to stay in hospital for the time being.

Mr O'Leary said there are supports in place from the adult psychiatric department including the availability of an outside community placement.

Mr Justice George Bermingham concluded that the case had run its course.