Courts / Laois / Report
Freddie Thompson removed from prison isolation block
Summary
Freddie Thompson, a 39‑year‑old Dublin man serving a life sentence for the 2016 murder of David Douglas, withdrew his High Court challenge against the prison authorities over what he described as an "extremely oppressive" regime in Portlaoise Prison's A4 wing, known as the punishment block. The withdrawal followed his transfer from the isolation block to the mainstream prison population. Thompson had argued that the regime violated his human rights, limiting his contact with other prisoners, denying regular exercise, fresh air and education, and causing mental health problems. He had sought orders to end his isolation and improve access to facilities. The court, after hearing the case, accepted that the transfer had occurred within 24 hours and allowed the action to be struck out. The State was asked to recommend legal aid for counsel, a request the court approved.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Freddie Thompson removed from prison isolation block. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2019-11-05 Publication
Why: Counsel said that this was because his client had been moved from the A4 wing in the last 24 hours. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
- The Prison
- Thompson's prison
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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