Courts / Dublin / Report
Prisoner destroyed his cell to get medical attention, court told
Summary
In February 2014, 24‑year‑old Robert Ellis of Ballyfermot was convicted of criminal damage at Mountjoy Prison after he destroyed his cell to seek medical help. While serving a sentence, Ellis had taken a "cocktail of sleeping tablets" and was coughing blood. He smashed a toilet, a wash hand basin, a protective screen, mirrors, a mattress and bedlinen, causing damage estimated at €2,000. A prison officer heard noises from two adjoining cells and saw the damage. Ellis was removed, examined by a medic, and placed in a padded cell. He admitted he had not acted correctly and had been thinking poorly. The court accepted his apology and noted that his behaviour ended once he was taken from his cell. He was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment. The article reports no further legal actions or outcomes. Robert Ellis pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Prisoner destroyed his cell to get medical attention, court told. Charges or matters: criminal damage at Mountjoy Prison on February 11, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 11, 2014 Incident
- 2015-12-09 Publication
Why: A inmate who destroyed his prison cell because he was anxious to get medical attention after taking a "cocktail of sleeping tablets" has been jailed for eight months. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: criminal damage at Mountjoy Prison on February 11, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was serving a sentence at the time and has a total of 34 previous convictions including criminal damage, assault, trespass, drugs, theft and public order offences.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Mountjoy
- Mountjoy Prison
- Ellis's way
Topics
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