Freddie Thompson has appeared in court charged with unlawfully having a mobile phone in prison custody.
Thompson (34) appeared before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court and is accused of possessing a mobile phone at Cloverhill Prison on May 29th. Thompson, of Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, was told he will have to say how he intends to plead when the case resumes in January.
The offence is contrary section 36 of the prisons Act. On conviction, the district court can impose a jail term of up to one year and a possible €5,000 fine.
In relation to this prosecution, defence solicitor Edward Bradbury told the judge he was instructed that originally there was going to be a not guilty plea with a trial date next year.
However, he said that the State intended to call 20 witnesses “in this minor matter”.
In those circumstances, he said, he was seeking a “date for mention” and this would give the prosecution more time to provide disclosure of evidence.
Judge Halpin remanded him in custody for three weeks saying that when the case resumes a plea is to be entered and a hearing date set.
He also agreed to Mr Bradbury’s request to make a “full disclosure order” and he granted legal aid to the accused.