Drug overdose suspected in death of prisoner

A prisoner serving 18 years for killing a man outside a nightclub has died from a suspected drug overdose.

Jason Morrissey (25) from Toomevara, Co Tipperary, was jailed in 2012 for the manslaughter of James Tynan, whom he punched outside a nightclub in Thurles, Co Tipperary. Morrissey had a long history of drink and drug addiction and had 85 previous convictions.

A prison spokesman confirmed that Morrissey had died in Limerick prison. No foul play was suspected.

His body was discovered in his cell at about 4am on Saturday during a routine check. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed immediately and a doctor was called.

Investigation

His body was taken to the Midwest Regional Hospital in Limerick for a postmortem. His death is being investigated by the G

arda, the Prison Service and the Inspector of Prisons.

Morrissey killed Mr Tynan on February 19th, 2010, with a punch to the head. Mr Tynan died in hospital the following day.

Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court heard Morrissey struck his victim, unprovoked, with a clenched fist, causing him to fall.

Morrissey had drunk 12 cans of beer and cider on the night of the assault and was also taking Valium at the time.

He was on bail for public order offences when he assaulted Mr Tynan. The court heard he danced around his victim after hitting him.

It has also emerged that another young prisoner was found dead in his cell, at Wheatfield prison, early on Christmas Eve. Eddie Byrne (23) from Dublin is suspected to have died as a result of a drug overdose. He was in custody pending a court appearance.