Laois resident jailed for non compliance with deportation order

A jail sentence was handed down to a man who repeatedly refused to comply with a deportation order. 

Abel Phillips (24) of Esker, Ballyfin, Portlaoise, is accused of failing to comply with a deportation order at the Midlands Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise on February 11, February 19 and on two occasions on February 25, 2026.

A Detective Garda said the defendant was being detained under the immigration act. “He is in custody on foot of a deportation order”, she said.  The defendant was placed in custody on January 22, the court was told. 

Garda Inspector Barry Houlihan said “this man is frustrating the deportation” through his non compliance.

He said the man continues to refuse to hand over his documents in order to allow Gardaí complete a necessary form. He said Gardai have 56 days to deport the man from the time he is in custody. 

“We know he has those documents and he refuses to hand them over”, said Inspector Houlihan. 

The Detective said the defendant, who has a good command of English,  has “a valid Nigerian passport which he refuses to surrender”. She said the penalties for failing to comply with the order were a fine of up to €1,500 and 12 months in prison or both. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked if the defendant had any previous convictions. 

The Detective said he had five which included driving without a licence and insurance, possession of drugs for personal use and drug driving. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client, who has been in Ireland for nine years, was pleading guilty. She explained that the man’s parents are living legally in Ireland. She said the man can be detained on the deportation order for up to 56 days after which his immigration lawyer can then “take steps” in relation to the deportation order. 

“Deportation will have very serious consequences  to him in terms of his life generally”, said Ms Fitzpatrick. She said he wanted to wait 56 days so his lawyer could make an application.

Judge Cody said “this man is deliberately, consciously, knowingly committing a crime four times in a row”.  

He sentenced the man to 22 months in prison and fixed recognisance in case of appeal at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Ms Fitzpatrick requested legal aid in the case. Judge Cody said “he is being paid for two solicitors as it is” but he granted legal aid in relation to one of the charges.