Punched Midlands Prison officer

An inmate who punched a prison officer in the face breaking his dentures was jailed for four months. 

Shane Farrell, 27, of 30 Ard Gleann, Killygowan, Co Monaghan admitted punching the prison officer at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise on November 25, 2020. 

Describing it as a “nasty incident,” Sgt JJ Kirby said the prison officer was punched in the face “breaking dentures in his front teeth” and suffering a bloody nose.

He said the officer had to go to the dentist on a number of occasions as a result and had bills of €960. 

“It wasn’t a nice thing to happen to an officer of the State,” said Sgt Kirby.  He said the defendant has 85 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had made full admissions and cooperated with gardai. She  said he was pleading at the first opportunity.  She said on the date in question there was a row on the landing and the officer intervened and it was in this context that her client had struck the blow. “He received a P19 where his privileges were withdrawn,” she said. 

Mr Fitzpatrick  said her client apologises and she hoped the officer would be compensated through the criminal injuries compensation scheme. 

Noting it was very serious, Judge Andrew Cody said he would take into account the early plea of guilty. He granted legal aid and sentenced the man to four months in prison.