Rattigan sentenced to 17 years for dealing drugs from jail

Convicted murderer Brian Rattigan has received a 17-year jail sentence for dealing €1m worth of heroin from his cell in Portlaoise prison.

The Special Criminal Court found the 32-year-old, formerly of Cooley Road, Drimnagh, guilty of possession and supply of the drug in May, 2008.

The evidence was that he directed the deal from his mobile phone.

The father of one shook his barrister's hand, smiled and chatted to detectives after the sentence was handed down. It has been backdated to June 2008.

He made no comment for the media, saying "You'll only twist it" before he was led away from court.

Retired Det Supt Denis Donegan, formerly based in Crumlin, said: "The media have previously described this man as a dealer in death and destruction and indeed, that's what he is.

"I have just one word of advice for the people out there who are thinking of taking up this kind of (activity) that we are watching them, and we will stand in their way."

Rattigan is already serving life for the murder of Declan Gavin. Today's sentence, which was backdated to around the time of the offence in 2008, probably will not have much impact on his release date.

Mr Justice Paul Butler described the crime of dealing heroin from prison as a very serious matter and could find "no solid evidence" for the defence's claim that the father of one is determined to change his life.

The 32-year-old has been studying behind bars and has taken part in pantomimes, including Cindarella.

A mobile phone message about distributing drugs linked him to a 5kg haul of heroin in Walkinstown five years ago.