Gilligan to challenge mobile phone charge
Convicted criminal John Gilligan is due to begin a High Court challenge against a charge of possessing a mobile phone in Portlaoise prison.
The 58-year-old is facing a further five years in prison if convicted of unlawfully having the phone on July 30, 2008.
Yesterday lawyers for John Gilligan told the court they needed more time to put together their case.
They were given an adjournment of just one day to allow for consultation with their client.
Gilligan, who is serving 20 years for importing cannabis resin, is challenging his district court trial for alleged possession of a mobile phone in his cell in Portlaoise prison.
He has said he has already been sanctioned by prison authorities who took away his privileges and if he is convicted and penalised again that would amount to double jeopardy.
The case will begin before Mr Justice Sean Ryan today.
