Men accused of attempting to assist an escape from Portlaoise Prison

Books of evidence were served on two men who are accused of attempting to aid an escape from Portlaoise Prison. 

Desmond Collins (20) of 31 Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick and Michael Shannon (29) of 80 Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick are each accused of attempting to aid an escape from Portlaoise Prison at Borris Road, Portlaoise on December 17 last. 

The men are each accused of attempting to convey 11 mobile phones and drugs into the prison and possessing a makeshift knife and purple screwdriver/chisel at Borris Road, Portlaoise on December 17, 2024. 

Garda Lisa Murray told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that she had served books of evidence on both accused in the body of the courthouse. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had consented to both men being sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on October 28. 

Judge Susan Fay noted the DPP had consented to the accused men being sent forward for trial. She issued the standard alibi warning and sent the defendants forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 28. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick described the allegations as “quite serious” and she requested legal aid for two counsel for each of the accused. Judge Fay granted legal aid and bail to both men on the same conditions as set in the district court.