Violent inmate given video console to pacify him

A prisoner who is so disruptive prison officers have to wear riot gear to deal with him has been given a PlayStation and a fish tank in a bid to pacify him, a prison officers’ conference has heard.

Plans to build a garden for this prisoner in an area off the landing have also been discussed.

At the annual conference of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) in Co Clare yesterday, Assistant General Secretary Gabriel Keaveny said this prisoner “needs three staff in riot gear with him, he is that dangerous”.