‘Complex’ investigation into alleged drone use at Portlaoise Prison

An investigation into the alleged use of a drone over Portlaoise Prison will be complex, a sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told. 

Desmond Collins (19) of 31 Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick and Michael Shannon (29) of 80 Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick are both accused of having cannabis for sale or supply at Borris Road, Portlaoise on December 17 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said “we are looking for more time. It is a fairly complex matter.” He said a file was being prepared for the DPP. “There may or may not be further charges,” he told Judge Susan Fay. 

“The allegation is these gents were involved in flying a drone with a package dangling over Portlaoise Prison,” said Sgt Kirby. 

He requested as much time as the judge would allow for the investigation. 

Sgt Kirby said such a case would require assistance from Forensic Science Ireland, finger print and mobile phone, drone and photography analysis. He said witness statements from prison staff may also be required and then a file would need to go to the DPP.  “It is a rather complex investigation,” he said. 

Judge Fay noted that the two accused had to travel from Limerick for the court. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said preliminary investigations had resulted in her clients being charged. She was reluctant to consent to a lengthy adjournment. 

However, Judge Fay agreed to adjourn the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 15 but marked it peremptory against the State.