Hardly a bad day on the financial front for stoical George

Court sketch: With the same impassiveness he maintained for his entire trial, George Redmond greeted the announcement of his sentence of one year in jail with no hint of emotion.

There was no furrowing of his brow, no gesture of surprise or anger, no utterance of defiance. The former official presented himself as he has throughout his public appearances in tribunals and trials in recent years - his arms folded like a shield over his chest, and his lips firmly sealed. If Redmond was worried about the prospect of having to spend up to 12 months behind bars, he wasn't showing it.

In contrast, when Judge Michael White threw out the prosecution's application for costs against Redmond, the relief was visible on the face of the 79-year-old defendant.

The lawyers could get their costs off the DPP, i.e. the taxpayer, leaving Redmond with one less financial worry.

All in all, it was not a bad day for him on the financial front.

No fine was imposed, no costs were awarded against him, and there was no forfeiture of his pension.

Prison might be no laughing matter, but at least he will get the free lunches he couldn't avail of when appearing at the Planning tribunal. And maybe in Cloverhill he can keep the job in the library where he can earn €2.50 a day.

The public gallery in the courtroom was full yesterday, and journalists had to sit in the seats normally used by a jury.

The sentencing hearing was all over in 10 minutes or so.

The convicted official, once again in blue jacket, slacks and tie, brought no book of poetry or umbrella for support this time, as he did when convicted four weeks ago.

Once again, he appeared to be alone in the court, without friends, though there was little likelihood that he would be released yesterday, either temporarily or permanently.

Officers of the Criminal Assets Bureau, instrumental in securing a conviction against the former official when previous investigations ran aground, were there to the last.

After consulting with his lawyers, Redmond left the court with a handshake from Det Insp Patrick Byrne, who has led CAB's investigation.

And with that, he was led away.

The man who was once one of the most senior local authority officials in Dublin is now one of the capital's oldest and most notorious prisoners.