The Director of Public Prosecution has withdrawn three charges against convicted murderer Brian Rattigan.
Rattigan (29), Cooley Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 was charged on two counts of having mobile phone batteries at his cell in Portlaoise Prison on December 3rd, 2007.
He was also charged with possessing a Nokia mobile phone at Cell 42, E1 Landing in Portlaoise Prison on March 16th, 2008.
Rattigan appeared before Judge William Hamill at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court today.
Inspector Tom Mooney said he had received directions from the DPP to withdraw the charges. The defendant made no comment during his appearance.
Rattigan is currently serving a life sentence. He was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court last December of the murder of Declan Gavin (21), Mourne Road, Drimnagh, at Crumlin Road on August 25th, 2001.