Man allegedly made threats to kill in Midlands Prison in Laois

A solicitor for a man who is accused of making threats to kill in the Midlands Prison sought permission for a prison landing inspection.

Gerard Manning (45) of 17 Upper Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick is accused of making threats to kill or cause serious harm at the Midlands Prison on July 1, 2021. 

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link where his solicitor requested permission for a forensic scientist to examine the landing where CCTV were supposed to be located. 

The solicitor said his client had previously been advised that he could enter a plea and have the issue dealt with in the district court or contest it and face trial in the higher circuit court. 

“There was CCTV footage relevant at that stage and he asked to see it,” the solicitor explained. 

He said CCTV had been released to the defence.  

“My client’s view is that there is a CCTV camera immediately in front of cell 1, D1 landing,” he said. 

“The material we have been given is from way off,” he explained. 

He said that “courtesy of google”, it was clear that there would be “a multiplicity of cameras” in the prison and he requested permission to inspect the D1 landing. “That is my application,” he said. 

Judge Susan Fay pointed out that there was no written application before the court. She said he would have to make an application to the court and he would need to put the prison service and governor on notice. 

“I am dealing with the DPP here. I am not going to bring in other parties,” the solicitor remarked. 

Judge Fay said “you are asking me to make an order that a person can go into a prison.” 

The solicitor said “we are querying the CCTV footage.” 

Garda Sergeant Rowan Casey said “the CCTV was obtained by the Irish Prison Service as part of disclosure.” 

He said if an application was being made he would expect the prison governor to be on notice as there could be security implications. 

Judge Fay pointed out that “CCTV in prison is a very significant piece of infrastructure in a prison.” 

The solicitor said he needed to check the locations of CCTV on the landing as he was “not very happy” with the CCTV that had been provided. 

Judge Fay said at the very least, the prison governor would have to be put on notice of any application. 

Sgt Casey said “perhaps if the defence can set out in writing precisely their requirements it might expedite matters.” 

Judge Fay told the solicitor that she believed his application was not properly before the court. She said she wasn’t refusing but the solicitor needed to have an application in writing and it should be served on the state and the governor of the midlands prison. 

She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on March 24.