Convicted criminal John Gilligan has accused prison authorities of “playing games” in relation to the production of witnesses for his upcoming hearing.
Gilligan (58) is contesting a charge of mobile phone possession at his Portlaoise Prison cell on July 30th, 2008. If convicted under the Prisons Act 2007, he could face a five year custodial sentence.
Appearing at Portlaoise District Court today, Gilligan claimed he was presented with the initials of prison officers he wishes to call in relation to the matter.
Many of the initials were similar, and he claimed he “wouldn’t be able to recognise” a number of officers. “My submission is that they are playing games with me,” he said.
Gilligan also accused the authorities of failing to include some of the officers he requested, adding they had “short changed me on the list”.
He presented Judge Gerard Haughton with a 16 page document outlining which officers he believed were required for the hearing.
Judge Haughton returned a photocopy of the list to the defendant. He remanded him in custody to appear before Portlaoise District Court next week.