Prisoner to face trial on drugs and phone charges

An inmate at Portlaoise Prison has appeared in court charged with possessing €1m worth of heroin in Dublin and with the possession of two mobile phones in jail.

The book of evidence has been served on Dublin man Brian Rattigan from Cooley Road in Drimnagh.

Rattigan faces a total of five charges. Three are drugs-related, alleging possession and possession for sale and supply of heroin at an address on Hughes Road South in Walkinstown, Dublin on May 21, 2008.

He is also accused of illegally having Nokia and Samsung mobile phones in his cell at Portlaoise the following day.

Garda Shane Curtis of Sundrive Road said the 29-year-old gave no reply when charged and cautioned earlier today.

The book of evidence has been served and Judge Brian Sheridan granted legal aid for two counsel as he sent Rattigan forward for trial to the current sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.