Murderer to receive cosmetic surgery

ONE of the country’s most infamous criminals had cosmetic surgery carried out on a scar on his lip at the expense of the state while in prison.

It is believed the surgery was carried out because the man claimed that he was suffering from “low self-esteem” due to the appearance of the scar on his mouth.

The state is thought to be out of pocket to the tune of thousands of euro to provide the public health service treatment for man, who is in his early 30s.

He is currently serving a life sentence for a murder carried out almost a decade ago, has a previous drugs conviction and is understood to be a leader of one of Ireland’s most violent drugs gangs.

In order to prepare for the operation the prisoner, who has been known to gardaí for most of his adult life and has previously survived an assassination attempt, would have had to attend numerous consultations.

That would have meant significant additional costs both in terms of transport from Portlaoise prison to the Dublin Hospital where he was treated and security escorts.

The Irish Prison Service has declined to comment on the case the “due to medical confidentiality” which must be assigned to prisoners.