Inmate attempted to drag prison officer into a cell at Midlands Prison

A prisoner appeared in court accused of attempting to drag a prison officer into his cell at the Midlands Prison. 

Dylan McMahon (30) with an address at Midlands Prison, is accused of assaulting a prison officer at the Midlands Prison on June 15, 2024. 

Donal Callaghan BL said his client was serving a lengthy sentence and was pleading guilty to the offence.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at 9.55am on C2 Landing. He said the officer had opened the defendant’s cell and the inmate “started to shout at him aggressively” before grabbing him by the left shoulder when he "attempted to drag” the officer into his cell. 

The officer broke free and got assistance, said Sgt Kirby. 

He said the man had 71 previous convictions and was serving a sentence until March 27, 2028.  

Judge Susan Fay said she would require a victim impact statement before she could finalise the case. 

She granted legal aid and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on April 28 for a victim impact statement and finalisation.