CONVICTED CRIMINAL John Gilligan (58) believed a warrant had been issued for his arrest while he was dealing with a matter in the High Court earlier this month.
He said he was now considering taking a judicial review as he was remanded in custody in his absence at Portlaoise District Court on July 8th last.
Gilligan is contesting a charge of mobile phone possession at his Portlaoise Prison cell on July 30th, 2008. If convicted he could face a five-year sentence. Speaking at a sitting of Tullamore District Court yesterday, he requested a copy of the arrest warrant he believed had been issued on July 8th. “When I didn’t appear on the eighth of July I thought the warrant would have been issued,” he told Judge Gerard Haughton.
Judge Haughton told him no such warrant was in existence. Given the circumstances, he said, “I would have had discretion”. When Gilligan asked, “could the court order that I get copies of the warrant,” Judge Haughton insisted “there is no warrant.”
Suggesting he might take a judicial review in relation to the remand, Gilligan said: “I would like to be able to get my warrants if I am getting remanded without being in court.” Supt John Moloney made an application to adjourn the case to the vacation sittings at Tullamore District Court. Gilligan refused to consent to a remand in excess of two weeks. Judge Haughton remanded him in custody to appear before Tullamore District Court on August 9th.