Man accused of having phone in jail
The 34-year-old appeared before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court and is accused of possessing a mobile phone at Cloverhill Prison on May 29 last. The Dublin man was told he will have to say how he intends to plead when the case resumes in January.
The offence is contrary to section 36 of the Prisons Act. On conviction, the district court can impose a jail term of up to one year and a possible €5,000 fine.
Edward Bradbury, defending, told Judge Halpin he was instructed that originally there was going to be a not guilty plea with a trial date next year. However, he said the State intended to call 20 witnesses “in this minor matter”.
In those circumstances, he said, he was seeking a “date for mention”, which would give the prosecution more time to provide disclosure of evidence.
Judge Halpin remanded him in custody for three weeks. He also agreed to Mr Bradbury’s request to make a “full disclosure order” and granted legal aid to the accused.
Mr Thompson, from Loreto Rd, Maryland, in south inner city Dublin, dressed in a blue jumper, grey tracksuit bottoms and runners, stood throughout the pre-trial hearing.
