State given deadline to decide on prison officer drugs charges

The State has been given a deadline to decide whether further charges should be brought against a prison officer accused of possessing cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at Mountjoy jail.

Jarlath Walsh (aged 39), from north Dublin has been charged with four offences, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

He faces two counts of unlawful possession of cocaine and cannabis and is also accused of two more charges for possessing cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply to another, at Mountjoy Prison on December 20 last.

He had been arrested at the prison at about 8.30 am on December 20 and was then held at Mountjoy Garda station in Dublin until he was charged in court on the following day.

The prison officer was then granted bail pending directions from the DPP and the possibility of further charges.

However today Judge Bryan Smyth heard at Dublin District Court that the DPP's directions were not yet available.

He remanded Mr Walsh on continuing bail to appear again on April 11 next.

He also marked the case “peremptory against the State” which means it could be struck out if the DPP's directions are not ready on the next date.

The defendant, who was wearing a blue jeans and a blue jacket, remained silent during the brief court proceedings this morning.

His bail conditions state he must not apply for any travel documents or “make any contact any prison staff in Mountjoy except through the governor's office”

He must sign on at his local garda station every Monday from 9am to 9pm, reside at his current address and notify gardai of any change of residency.

Earlier the court had ordered that the defendant's address would not be published by the news media.

The value of the drugs allegedly seized has not been stated during the proceedings.