Cloverhill Prison 'is not a good place,' Kildare man tells court
He told the court he is trying to beat his addiction
Cloverhill Prison is “not a good place”, Naas District Court was told.
The claim was made by a man who was being prosecuted for breaching the Public Order Act by engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour and being intoxicated in a public place.
Shane Mulligan, 34, whose address was given as Ballinakill, Enfield, was before the court for offences on June 21, 2025, at Commons West, Kilcock.
It was claimed that he had to be handcuffed during the incident.
The court also heard he had some 40 previous convictions, including 11 under the Public Order Act.
Defending solicitor David Powderly said the defendant was admitting the offences and he said he wants to be sent to the Midlands Prison, where he can get treatment for his alcohol problem.
He said the defendant has five children and can be difficult to deal with when he is under the influence of alcohol but this is the longest he has been without alcohol.
Mr Powderly added that when he is not drinking he is present for his family.
The defendant, who appeared in court accompanied by a prison officer because he was in custody, told the court that Cloverhill Prison is not a good place.
He also said that he is seven months “clean.”
Judge Derek Cooney said he had no input into where people are detained but he recommended that the defendant be sent to the Midlands Prison to get treatment.
He imposed a four month custody term.