Caught bringing 410 tablets into prison

A Limerick man who attempted to bring 410 Diazapan tablets and 14 grams of cannabis into Portlaoise Prison, was given an six month suspended sentence at last Thursday’s Portlaoise District Court.

Sean Leo, of St Christopher’s, Kilrallyowen, Bruff, Limerick, had initially given a name of Sean Riordan when he was arrested and brought to Portlaoise Garda Station on Friday October 11.

Defence, Josephine Fitzpatrick said this was her client’s mother’s maiden name, and her client added “that’s the name on my bank card”.

“He did say he was coerced. A full admission was made. He is a young father, with a 4 year old boy, living with his partner. He doesn’t take drugs, use drugs, and was not doing this for profit,” she said.

She added that Mr Leo was on disability benefit for a back injury.

“He was victim of an unprovoked attack in 2010, where he received several stab wounds. He is not asking you to condone his behaviour,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

Judge Catherine Staines ordered a six month prison sentence, suspended for two years, on Mr Leo’s bond of €100.