Brought drugs into prison in Portlaoise

A three month suspended sentence was handed down to a woman who brought drugs into the Midlands Prison. 

Anita Scott, 36, of Clonad, Portlaoise admitted bringing cannabis and benzos valued at €620 into the prison on July 9 last. 

Sgt JJ Kirby said a drug dog detected the package when she visited the prison. He said the woman made full admissions and has two previous convictions but none for drugs.

Solicitor Josepine Fitzpatrick said her client was visiting a relation. She was concerned for the welfare of the person she was visiting and thought the drugs might help, said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

She said her client has issues with mental health. She is one of six siblings but two have died by suicide. “Her mother died on Christmas Day when she was expecting her first child in 2004,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. “The tragedy goes on and on,” she remarked. 

Judge Andrew Cody recalled reading an article by the former head of the prison Michael Donellan who expressed a view that contraband was the biggest problem in prison. He said it magnified other issue within the prison. “Sitting in the town of Portlaoise I can’t ignore that,” he said. 

He noted the woman didn’t do it for financial gain and fined her €100 and sentenced her to three months in prison, suspended for two years. 

“Anyone coming in here bringing drugs into prison will face that sentence without a suspension,” warned Judge Cody. He issued a destruction order for the drugs.