Convicted drug dealer John Gilligan (57) was further remanded in custody today charged with having a mobile phone in his cell in Portlaoise Prison.
Gilligan is charged with possession of the phone and a sim card at his cell in Portlaoise Prison on July 30th, 2008. The offence, under the 2007 Prisons Act, carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
At Portlaoise District Court today, Inspector Martin Cashen requested a remand in custody to enable the preparation of the case. He suggested the matter be remanded to September 29th.
Judge Gerard Haughton asked Gilligan, who is legally representing himself, if he would consent to the remand in custody.
"Yes, but I think that's over 28 days. It suits me though, I'm not going anywhere," Gilligan replied.
Fixing the date for mention, Judge Haughton informed Gilligan of the court's right to remand him for 30 days, "it is not 28 days, it is 30 days", he said.
A portion of Portlaoise's Main Street was blocked off as gardaí and armed soldiers took up positions outside the courthouse during the appearance.
Gilligan is currently in custody and is due for release in 2013.