A PRISON officer accused of smuggling drugs and contraband into Mountjoy Prison has had bail conditions lifted temporarily to allow him go on honeymoon.
Jarlath Walsh (39), from north Dublin, had been charged earlier with unlawfully possessing cocaine and cannabis and faces two charges for alleged possession of these drugs for the purpose of sale or supply to another, at Mountjoy Prison on December 20th last.
Mr Walsh faces 21 charges in total. He is also accused of conveying controlled and non-controlled drugs and two sim cards and possessing other controlled drugs for sale or supply at the prison, on the same date.
The DPP consented to him being returned for “trial on indictment” to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Yesterday at Dublin District Court Det Garda Fergal Flaherty served a book of evidence on the defendant. Judge David McHugh notified Mr Walsh that if he intended to use an alibi as part of his defence, he must inform the prosecution within 14 days.
The judge granted legal aid and sent him forward for trial at the next term of the Circuit Court.
Defence solicitor Yvonne Bambury told the judge her client has recently married and was “seeking time to go on honeymoon”.
Judge McHugh amended the defendant’s bail conditions and agreed to let him use his passport. He also suspended a signing on condition for the four-week period when Mr Walsh will be away.
Mr Walsh is subject to two further bail conditions stating that he cannot make any contact with any prison staff in Mountjoy except through the governor’s office and that he must notify gardaí of any change of residence.