Ballybofey pensioner is on hunger strike

A 73-year-old Ballybofey man has gone on hunger strike at Castlerea prison and is threatening to go on thirst strike from Friday unless an inquiry is held into the legality of his imprisonment.

It is understood Thomas Michael (Tom) Dignam,  from Dooish was taken into the prison hospital this morning (Wednesday) as his condition has begun to cause concern.

Mr Dignam, who had no legal representation, refused to engage with Letterkenny Circuit Court during a three-day trial last October where he was convicted of harassment.

The case related to messages posted on Facebook about a man whose company was involved in a high-profile eviction in Roscommon in 2018.

He was charged that between December 10, 2019 and November 2, 2020 he harassed Aidan Devlin, the managing director of Trinity Assets Management Services, a company that was involved in a case of repossession at Falsk, Co Roscommon by persistently by communicating with him by posting messages on Facebook.

Mr Devlin’s company was involved after his company was hired by KBC Bank, who bought the 33-acre farm at Falsk, near Strokestown, from the receiver.

The jury found him guilty in a unanimous verdict.
Friends are now concerned that Dignam could place his life in danger as a result of his actions.

A spokesman for the campaign to challenge the conviction, Michael McGee says the conviction is unsound and obstacles have been placed in the way of justice in this case.

"The legislation under which he was convicted both convicted and incarcerated under did not come into effect until February 9, 2021 - it was not in existence at that time," he says.

Mr McGee, who describes himself as an advocate working out of the Community Law Information Centre in Ballybofey, also claims that when attempts were made to create a national Habeas Corpus on behalf of Thomas Michael Dignam, staff at Castlerea Prison blocked attempts to have him sign the document.

"Their behaviour held up the lawful process for more than seven days. The High Court judge who ruled on the application issued an order and a judgment in the matter.

"The judgment completely ignored the facts and law contained in the Habeas Corpus and he dismissed the application."

He said Mr Dignam began a hunger strike on Friday, March 31.

"On Friday, April 7 he intends to go on a thirst strike as well. Thomas Michael Dignam is 73 years of age and suffers from high blood pressure among other illnesses. Seven days of fasting followed by even one or two days on hunger strike could be fatal," he says.

Mr McGee adds that Dignam is not demanding that he be released from custody.

"He is simply demanding a proper inquiry into his conviction and incarceration at Castlerea prison.

Mr McGee added TDs and Senators were all contacted by email and made aware of the situation yesterday, Monday, April 3. He also claimed personal items such as letters, cards, photos and family items had been withheld from him since he entered the prison.

"Only a handful of TDs have acknowledged receipt of same. I find it ironic that one particular TD in his reply suggested that TDs do not take an oath to the Constitution when they enter the Dáil. This insanity simply has to come to an end and justice must prevail.

"Tom Dignam needs an inquiry led by three judges to examine the paperwork involved. Mr Dignam did not sign a prison bond. Supreme Court case law states if there is the slightest evidence of a defect an inquiry has to be ordered immediately," he adds.