Rattigan faces new charges in prison

Convicted murderer, Brian Rattigan, has appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in relation to possession of two mobile phones while he was an inmate in Portlaoise prison almost two years ago.

Brian Rattigan (aged 29) of Cooley Road, Driminagh, also faces charges in relation to the possession of heroin and two charges of possession of the drugs for sale or supply on Hughes Road South, Walkinstown, Dublin 12, on May 21, 2008.

Rattigan was sent forward from Cloverhill District Court last month by Judge Brian Sheridan.

The charges detail that on May 22, 2008, at Cell 42 E1 Landing, Portlaoise Prison, while being a prisoner in Portlaoise Prison, he possessed two mobile phones, namely a Samsung mobile phone and a Nokia mobile phone, without the permission of the Governor of the Prison.

Mr Brendan Grehan SC, defending, told Judge Katherine Delahunt that he is still awaiting some disclosure from the State and he has also asked for an explanation from the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the delay in charging his client with the offences.

Judge Delahunt remanded Rattigan in custody and adjourned the case for mention to next May.