Courts / Dublin / Report
'Hooded man' Hannaway challenges Covid prison restrictions
Summary
Kevin Hannaway, 71, serving a 3‑year‑9‑month sentence at Portlaoise Prison, has lodged a High Court challenge against Covid‑19 restrictions on prison visits. He argues that the Prison Service's decision to limit visits to one per fortnight, each no longer than 15 minutes, breaches prison rules that guarantee at least one 30‑minute visit per week from a relative or friend. Hannaway, a former member of the 'hooded men' who suffered alleged inhumane treatment during the Troubles, claims the restrictions violate his rights under the Irish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. He seeks an order quashing the service's decision, orders to enforce the prescribed visit frequency and duration, a declaration of rights, and damages. Mr Justice Anthony Barr granted him permission to proceed, with the case set for a November hearing. Kevin Hannaway was convicted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Hooded man' Hannaway challenges Covid prison restrictions. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- August 7th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-09-28 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Hannaway (71), who is currently serving a sentence of three years and nine months at the maximum security Portlaoise Prison, claims that a decision by the Prison Service, arising out of the pandemic, to limit the amount of time and visits a prisoner can receive from a family member or friend is in breach of his rights.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Special Criminal Court
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
- Irish Prison
- Riverwood Park
Topics
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