Murderer damaged violence reduction unit cell in Laois prison

A convicted murderer appeared in court accused of causing €1,348 of criminal damage to a cell in the violence reduction unit of the Midlands Prison. 

Graham McEvoy (27) of Midlands Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise appeared in court via video link accused of damaging a toilet, sink internal mechanism and cell smoke detector in the harm reduction unit on January 20, 2025. 

Judge Susan Fay asked the man if he had any legal representation. 

“I don’t need it. I just want to plead guilty today,” he replied. 

Judge Fay told the man it was a serious offence and she would be happier if he was legally represented. 

He said it was a criminal damage charge. “I am doing a life sentence,” he said. 

Judge Fay appointed Solicitor Philip Meagher to the case. 

“I am doing a life sentence. If the judge can, I would like to just plead guilty today,” the man told Mr Meagher. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby gave an outline of the facts. He said the incident occurred in the national violence reduction unit of the prison. The total damage amounted to €1,348, he said. 

Mr Meagher asked the accused whether he had been punished in prison and given a P19. The man said he had. He explained that he had lost some shop, visiting and phonecall privileges.  He said money was being taken from him each week to pay for the damage. 

The man said he has been in prison for nine and a half years. “I apologise to the court,” he said. 

Mr Meagher told Judge Fay that his client had been punished and would be paying for the broken items. “He has lost certain privileges,” he said. 

Judge Fay convicted the man and sentenced him to three months. 

“Nice one, thanks,” the man replied when sentenced.