Prisoner found with mobile phones in Cloverhill

A PRISONER found with two mobile phones had them to contact friends and family while he was in jail.

Jamie French, aged 28, was given a consecutive two-month sentence for possession of the phones in Cloverhill Prison.

Judge David McHugh imposed the sentence at Blanchardstown District Court.

French, with an address at Greenfort Park, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of phones in prison on March 23 last.

A garda told Judge McHugh he charged the accused before the court sitting and he made no reply after caution.

He said French was being taken to be walked through a metal detector at the prison at 12.05pm on the day in question when he handed over two miniature mobile phones.

French had 101 previous convictions, was a serving prisoner and was due for release in 2024, the court heard.

The prosecuting garda agreed with defence solicitor John O’Doherty that French had been cooperative and made full admissions to the offence.

“He was trying to contact friends and family and there wasn’t anything more sinister than that,” Mr O’Doherty said.

The accused wanted to dispose of the case and had entered his plea at the earliest possible opportunity, Mr O’Doherty said.

Judge McHugh made the two months consecutive to the prison term French is already serving.

He also granted free legal aid following an application by Mr O’Doherty.