12-07-2025
Extra jail time for lag caught with two mobile phones in Cloverhill prison
Shane McDonagh (19) handed over the phones when he was stopped for a search in Dublin's Cloverhill prison, a court heard.
An aerial view of Cloverhill Prison in Cherry Orchard, Dublin. Photo: Stock image
A prisoner caught with two mobile phones on him while serving a sentence has been given a month's extra jail time.
Shane McDonagh (19) handed over the phones when he was stopped for a search in Dublin's Cloverhill prison, a court heard.
Judge David McHugh made the sentence consecutive to a four-year jail term he is already serving.
McDonagh, with an address at St Grellan's Terrace, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of phones without the governor's permission.
The charge is under Section 36 of the Prisons Act.
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Blanchardstown District Court heard the incident happened on June 6 last year.
When told he would be searched by prison officers, he handed over the two phones and a charger
Judge McHugh asked the prosecuting garda how McDonagh was caught with two phones on the same day.
She replied that the accused was stopped at a security machine at reception, and when told he would be searched by prison officers, he handed over the two phones and a charger.
McDonagh was serving a four-year sentence with a release date in 2027.
The accused had already been punished in prison, where he had spent 40 days with no evening recreation, no phone calls and no shop, his solicitor Simon Fleming said.
'He came here today to face the punishment of the court,' he added, asking the judge for leniency.
