Woman facing cannabis charge ordered to avoid prisons

A judge has imposed a 1km exclusion zone around all Irish prisons on a woman arrested for dealing cannabis at Dublin's Mountjoy Prison.

Ann O'Rourke, 46, appeared before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court.

The court heard Ms O'Rourke, of Dunard Avenue, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7, made no reply when charged with possessing cannabis herb for sale or supply at the prison yesterday.

She has yet to enter a plea, and the value of the alleged drug seizure was not stated.

Garda Rachel Smith initially objected to bail.

Ms O'Rourke was unrepresented due to the ongoing industrial dispute, which has seen solicitors withdraw their services from District Court legal aid cases.

The protest is in response to plans by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to reform the system and introduce a €520 flat fee for District Court cases.

However, Garda Smith agreed with Judge Hughes that she would consent to bail provided strict conditions were imposed.

The judge ordered that the 1km restriction would apply unless an application is made and sanctioned by the court to allow her to visit someone in prison custody.

Under further terms, she must sign on once a week at her local garda station and provide a contact phone number so gardaí can maintain contact with her.

Ms O'Rourke, when asked if she consented to the terms, replied: "I do."

The unemployed woman explained to the court that she had experienced some recent difficulties attending court due to a sick relative.

The accused was remanded on bail to appear again on 4 September next.