Had phones in Portlaoise Prison

A man admitted having three mobile phones in his cell in Portlaoise Prison. 

Darren Caffrey, 39, with an address at Lewellensland, Castlejordan, Co Meath was accused of possessing a mobile telecommunications device in Portlaoise Prison on March 16 last year. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had three mobile phones and chargers in his cell when it was searched in March 2022.  The defendant had 230 previous convictions and was serving a sentence with a release date of March 29, 2025. 

“He took full responsibility,”  Sgt Kirby told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

The defendant told Judge Andrew Cody that he was serving a five year sentence which was imposed in January of 2021. 

Appearing from Portlaoise Prison via videolink, he told Judge Cody that he wanted to plead guilty and have the matter dealt with. 

Defence Counsel Aine Rushe BL asked the court to note that her client was pleading guilty on his first appearance. 

“I don’t think he has any previous of a similar nature,” she added. 

Judge Cody said possession of contraband in a prison was a serious matter. He said possessing three phones and chargers was not just for personal use.

He imposed a three month sentence which is to begin on the expiry of the sentence being served. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.