‘Dutchy’ dismisses claims he has joined slop-out action

VERONICA GUERIN murder suspect, Patrick “Dutchy” Holland, has dismissed as “potty” claims that he is to sue the State for the trauma of having to slop out his cell in Portlaoise Prison.

The convicted drugs dealer said last night there was no truth in reports that he was part of a group of 800 serving and former prisoners planning compensation claims against the prison authorities, or that he was being represented by Limerick solicitor John Devane who is preparing many of the cases.

Holland released a statement from prison through his nephew, James Holland, after Devane appeared on the Late Late Show over the weekend talking about the legal action which Justice Minister Michael McDowell has pledged to fight all the way.