Man had drugs in his underpants at Portlaoise Prison

A man admitted having drugs in his underpants at Portlaoise Prison. 

Eoin Wilton (27) of 117 Saul Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, admitted conveying three types of drugs into Portlaoise Prison on November 15 last. 

Andrew Dunne BL said his client was pleading guilty to the offences. He asked Judge Catherine Ryan to note a guilty plea to the three charges of conveying drugs, with a total value of €1,000, into the prison and to order a probation report. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said an alarm went off during a security check at the prison where the defendant was attending as a visitor at 2.10pm on the date in question. 

“He took out a package out of his underpants and handed it over to the prison officer”, said Sgt Kirby.  

Judge Catherine Ryan noted the man had 12 previous convictions. She said it was a serious offence and “may be outside the reach of what the probation services can deal with”. She described the offending as “very troubling” and she asked for an explanation. 

Mr Dunne conferred with his client and explained that the man had a drug debt. He said “significant pressure” had been placed on the man to engage in the act. 

“It is extremely serious to be taking these drugs into prison. God knows what effects that has on the population in prison”, said Judge Ryan. 

She ordered a probation report “really just to see what is in his thinking” but said, “I am noting a probable custodial sentence warranted”.

The case was adjourned back to  Portlaoise District Court on September 7 for a probation report.