Laide and Mackey in segregation unit

Prison regime: Laide and Mackey awoke this morning in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, to begin their first full day behind bars.

The men were immediately moved to the segregation unit of the jail, which is separate from the main prison. It is drug-free, and is the least volatile area of the jail. Most of its inmates are not hardened criminals, and are not serving time for very serious offences.

It is occupied by prisoners classed as "trustees", who are employed in the kitchens and other areas of the jail, and in whom a greater level of trust has been placed. According to one source, it is unusual for new inmates to be given a cell in the segregation unit immediately.

The two were taken from court to Mountjoy Prison yesterday, where their detention warrant was formally executed and they were registered as inmates. However, rather than being held at Mountjoy, they were immediately taken to the Midlands Prison.

The men's cells in the Midlands Prison are single berth, each with it's own lavatory and television, unlike Mountjoy.

Each will be granted 25 per cent remission of their sentences, which means Laide will serve three years and Mackey 18 months.

They could be transferred to Loughan House open prison, Cavan, within 12 months, and will be eligible for temporary release at around the same time.