Prisoners to sue State over ‘slopping out’

OVER 800 prisoners are taking actions against the State over claims their human rights have been violated because they were forced to slop out.

Some of the State’s most high profile inmates, including senior dissident republicans and members of warring Limerick gangs, are among those involved in the action.

The Prison Service said yesterday the claims would be fought vigorously while the inmates have been warned that even if they win, their victims could then sue for damages.

John Devane, a Limerick solicitor, confirmed more than 800 former and serving prisoners have contacted him at a rate of 25 to 30 a week with the intention of lodging compensation claims.

It has also emerged that as many as 25 prison officers have also launched actions, claiming their rights have been breached because they are forced to witness the slopping out.

Prisoners in four facilities: Mountjoy, Portlaoise, Cork and, to a slightly lesser extent, Limerick, still have to slop out as they do not have toilets in their cells and must use a bucket during lock-down.

The inmates’ claims are based on alleged breaches of the European Convention of Human Rights. They will argue they have been traumatised and degraded.

Among those taking cases are Liam Campbell, the Real IRA’s director of operations; Limerick drug dealer Christy Keane, Republican Sinn Fein vice president Des Long; Liam Keane, famous for his two fingered salute after being acquitted of murder last year, and Patrick ‘Dutchy’ Holland, a serial litigant serving 12 years for drugs offences.

The actions follow a recent case in Scotland where a prisoner was awarded damages of €5,000 for having to slop out.

But the Prison Service argues the two systems are completely different and that the judgement in favour of Scottish inmate was based on his personal circumstances.