Man 'under jail gang threat' charged after an assault and attempted robbery near hospital in the Midlands

A man, who claims he is under threat from a prison gang and in need of immediate medical help, has been charged arising from a serious incident involving a woman near Portlaoise hospital.

Dean Gray, aged 38, of no fixed abode, appeared in Portlaoise District Court on Friday, February 17 arising from incidents on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise.

The accused is charged with a Section 3 assault, and attempted robbery on Thursday, Febuary 16 at 11.30pm. He is also charged with trespass in the early hours of Friday, February 17 soon after the original incident.

Garda Sean Flynn told Judge Andrew Cody that he charged the accused at 3.29pm on Friday. He said Gray made no reply when charged.

Defence solicitor Philip Meagher said his client would not be seeking release on bail but told Judge Cody there were two requests in relation to his remand in custody.

Mr Meagher asked that his client be given an immediate medical assessment and appropriate treatment on arrival at his place of detention.

The solicitor also asked the judge if he could make a recommendation that his client be sent to the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise rather than to Cloverhill Prison.

Mr Meagher said his client had explained that he is 'very concerned' about a 'real and significant threat' he faces in Cloverhill where he has been jailed for a lot of time. Mr Meagher added that this threat is posed by a 'particular gang' in the Dublin jail.

Acknowledging that it was an unusual request, Mr Meagher said he was aware that the judge could not order this but that Judge Cody could recommend such a course of action.

Judge Cody recommended that Gray receive immediate medical assessment and that he be remanded to a prison other than Cloverhill or that enhanced security be provided for him in the Dublin jail.

The Judge added that he could hear the matter in full on Friday, February 24 but Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said directions would have to be sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions as there could be more serious charges.

The accused was then remanded in custody, as initially outlined, to appear by video link before Portlaoise District Court on Thursday, February 23.

Legal aid was granted to support Gray's defence.