Rattigan trial adjourned by court

A High Court challenge brought by convicted murderer Brian Rattigan against the decision that he be detained on his own in the segregation unit of Portlaosie Prison been adjourned to later this month.

Rattigan of Cooley Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, has been granted leave to bring proceedings against the Governor of Portlaosie Prison and the State over the direction, made under Rule 62 (1) of the Prison Rules 2007, that he be removed from structured activity and association and detained on his own in segregation in punitive conditions within the Prison.

That direction was made on February 11 last, and the High Court previously granted Rattigan leave to challenge the Governor's decision.

The case, which was mentioned briefly before the President of the High Court Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns today, was adjourned on consent to later this month.

Last December, at the Central Criminal Court Rattigan (aged 29) was found guilty by a jury of murdering Declan Gavin (aged 21) of Mourne Road, Drimnagh, in August 2001 and was given a life sentence.