Jailed drug kingpin Gilligan hospitalised for arm, chest pains
He was tried but not convicted of the murder of crime journalist Veronica Guerin.
Gilligan, 49, is serving a 28-year prison sentence imposed by the Special Criminal Court in 2001 for drug offences including importing cannabis resin.
Yesterday afternoon, under heavy armed guard, he was moved from his Portlaoise Prison cell to the Midlands Regional Hospital, one quarter mile away.
In hospital, and remaining under close armed guard, Gilligan received medical tests after complaining of extreme chest and arm pains.
He was detained in hospital last night and, according to one prison source, could be held there for a number of days until his medical examination is completed.
Garda Press Office in Dublin would make no comment last night, saying it was a matter for the prison service.
The Midlands Regional Hospital were economical with the information. A spokesperson said “there is a prisoner in the hospital tonight who is under armed guard.” The spokesperson said she was unable to name the prisoner.
Earlier this year the convicted drugs dealer lost his appeal against the State's bid to confiscate his assets.
In March, the Special Criminal Court today gave Gilligan 12 months to pay €17,679,833 to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).
Gilligan's assets allegedly include an equestrian centre at Jessbrook, two houses in Lucan, a house at Blanchardstown, six vehicles, 16 bank accounts and more than £5 million he staked in bets.
At the beginning of this year, Gilligan was charged at the Special Criminal Court with threatening to kill two prison officers at Portlaoise prison last year. At the time Gilligan's solicitor, Joe Rice said his client had suffered loss of privileges, including visits, letters, tuck shop and phone calls.
