Six mobile phones found in Carlow prisoner’s cell
For illustrative purposes only.
A DISTRICT Court judge wanted to know whether a man who had been caught with six mobile phones in his cell had his own mobile repair shop in prison.
Judge Andrew Cody asked the question at last week’s sitting of Portlaoise District Court when Robbie Brennan (34), Evington House, New Gardens, Athy Road, Carlow appeared, where he pleaded guilty to the unauthorised possession of a mobile phone in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise on 28 March 2024.
Garda Seamus O’Connor said that a search was carried out on Mr Brennan’s cell on the B2 landing of the prison and six mobile phones were found. When arrested, he admitted having them, said that some of them were not working and that he used some of them for parts.
“Had he his own mobile phone repair shop in the prison?” asked Judge Cody.
Defending solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that while six mobile phones were found in his cell, her client had one to communicate with family members.
The court heard that Mr Brennan has 114 previous convictions.
Judge Cody said he viewed possessing mobile phones in prison as a serious offence. He said they are often used by gangland members to order hits, to cause harm, murders and to order houses to be burnt.
He went on to convict Mr Brennan of the offence and sentenced him to three months in prison.
