Man accused of damage to mattress at Cork Prison

A MAN serving a sentence at Cork Prison was brought before Cork District Court on charges of causing criminal damage to a mattress costing €240 and also having a mobile phone in the prison which he was not allowed to have.

John Burke, aged 26, with an address at Bob and Joan’s Walk, Roman St, Cork, was formally arrested by Detective Garda Shane Walsh.

The detective told Judge Mary Dorgan that Mr Burke made no reply when charged and cautioned.

The first count stated that on October 20, 2023, at Cork Prison, he did, without lawful excuse, damage property, namely a mattress belonging to the Irish Prison Service, intending such damage or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.

The second count refers to the same date and place, and alleges that he did possess a mobile phone without permission of the governor of the prison, contrary to Section 36 of the Prisons Act 2007.

Judge Dorgan adjourned the case to February 27, with the accused formally on bail on these charges.

Shane Collins Daly, solicitor, represented the accused. Judge Dorgan acceded to the application for free legal aid on the basis that the accused is in custody serving a lengthy sentence.

Sgt Pat Lyons said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case could be dealt with summarily at district court level, and Judge Dorgan agreed with that.

No background details were given as to the alleged events giving rise to the charges.