CONVICTED DRUG criminal John Gilligan made a further court appearance yesterday on a charge of possessing a mobile phone and sim card in his cell at Portlaoise Prison on July 30th, 2008.
Having declined legal aid at a previous sitting, Gilligan represented himself yesterday at the hearing at Portlaoise District Court.
Insp Tom Mooney said the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had directed for summary disposal in relation to the matter and the case would be heard in the District Court.
The charge arose from a search of Gilligan’s cell on the morning of July 30th, 2008. Prison officers discovered a mobile phone and sim card during the search, said Insp Mooney.
Noting the defendant had no legal representation, Judge Gerard Haughton asked the defendant if he wanted a copy of the charge.
Gilligan told Judge Haughton he had three applications to make, “I would like to have a copy of the Act I am charged under.
“If I have to pay for it, I will pay for it,” he said.
Secondly, Gilligan asked for a copy of his interview tapes and said he had been interviewed for two hours in relation to the search.
He also asked for copies of all of the statements taken in the case.
When asked if he would have a difficulty with a 14-day remand in custody, Gilligan said he would have a problem if the documents were not available.
After being told the remand would enable the disclosure of the documents he replied: “No objection to a 14-day remand in custody”.
Ordering copies of the interview tapes, Act and statements, Judge Haughton remanded the defendant in custody to appear before Portlaoise District Court on August 17th.
If convicted of possessing a mobile phone under the 2007 Prisons Act, Gilligan could face a five-year sentence. He is in custody and is due for release in 2013.
Security around the courthouse was provided by gardaí and Army personnel who lined the main street in Portlaoise while the case was being heard.
Gilligan was returned to prison in a convoy of three Army jeeps, two prison vans and a Garda squad car.