Judge lashes rule sending prisoners on ‘scenic detours’

PRISONERS already serving jail terms are being sent on ‘detours’ of up to 160km on trips to and from courts due to a bizarre regulation.

Following court appearances on fresh matters, criminals in the midlands must be brought to Portlaoise Prison to have documentation about their new sentencing stamped. If they are already serving a sentence in another prison they still have to be brought to Portlaoise — meaning they end up on “scenic tours” of the midlands.

A District Court judge has criticised the Department of Justice for “wasting taxpayers’ money” by bringing prisoners more than 160km out of their way in some cases.

Judge John Neilan branded the situation “ridiculous” at Athlone District Court last week. The judge quizzed defence solicitor Mark Cooney, who is also a local Fine Gael councillor, on the reason for the legislation.

One of Mr Cooney’s clients, Brian Corcoran, already serving a sentence in Loughan House Prison in Co Cavan, was before the court. However, once Corcoran was handed a new sentence, the prison escort was forced to drive him to the committal prison for the area in Portlaoise before returning to Co Cavan.

“The escort leaves Athlone, drives to Portlaoise, somebody knocks on the door, somebody comes out and stamps a form, then they drive back … it’s ridiculous,” remarked Judge Neilan.

The judge told Corcoran to “enjoy his guided tour” of the midlands.

“You will be going up to Portlaoise, when you get there, give them a wave.” He also told the accused, “don’t worry, you’ll get your dinner” before adding, “the taxpayers are paying for it all”.

A statement issued by the Department of Justice said there was “no additional cost regarding manpower, overtime and transport (with the exception of fuel) to the Irish Prison Service”.

Judge Neilan has criticised the Department of Justice about the procedure on a number of occasions in recent weeks.

Intention

In another case, Georgian national Avtandil Pilishvili (42) was before the court charged with theft and with possession of a foil-lined shopping bag with the intention of committing a theft.

The court heard how Pilishvili was serving a term in Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon when he appeared before Athlone District Court.

Judge Neilan said that because the case was being heard in Athlone, the accused would have to be returned to the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.

“The (prison officer) drives to Portlaoise, some genius comes out and ticks a box and then they go back to Castlerea.”

The judge said there was “nothing” he could do about it “as they’re not listening”. He imposed an 11-month sentence on Pilishvili before wishing him a “nice journey”.

A Department of Justice spokesman said the issue was a “complex” one which required “careful consideration”.

“Any legislation drafted in this area will apply nationally and will have to take account of all local situations. A number of submissions have already been received by the department on the issue and we are aware of Judge Neilan’s views and recent comments.

“The issue remains under consideration in the Department and I am not in a position to give you any further details at this time,” a statement said.

- Eimear Ni Bhraonain