HIT ACCUSED ON PRISON PHONE RAP

A MAN facing trial before the Special Criminal Court for attempted murder is alleged to have been found in possession of a mobile phone in his prison cell.

Jason (Jay) O’Connor appeared before Cloverhill District Court via video-link from Mountjoy Prison on Tuesday, where details of the new charge against him were heard.

Judge John O’Leary heard it was alleged O’Connor was discovered in possession of a mobile phone in Mountjoy Prison on January 11 this year.

The court heard the matter could be adjourned for a period of two weeks or for a lengthier period with consent from the defendant.

FIREARM

O’Connor gave his consent and the matter was put back to May 7.

In January, the State successfully applied to have O’Connor’s trial for the attempted murder of a man in Dublin seven years ago heard before the non-jury Special Criminal Court.

O’Connor (45) of Whitestown Road in Blanchardstown, Dublin, is accused of the attempted murder of Charlie Cooper at Parslickstown Green, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, on December 5, 2016.

Mr O’Connor is also charged with the possession of a 9mm firearm and 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition with intent to endanger life at the same location and on the same date.

At a hearing of the non-jury court in January, State solicitor Michael O’Donovan made a successful ex-parte application — where only one side is represented — to try Mr O’Connor at the three-judge court.

The State can apply for a certificate to transfer a trial to the Special Criminal Court if it is believed the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice.

Mr O’Connor was not required and did not attend the brief hearing before presiding judge Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, who granted the application and adjourned the matter.

Charles Cooper was seriously injured when he was shot multiple times at his home at Parslickstown Green. He was treated in hospital and made a recovery.

The accused was originally charged last August.

At that court sitting, Detective Inspector Liam Donoghue said Mr O’Connor was charged in his presence and made no reply to either count after caution.

He was handed copies of the charge sheets.

Defence solicitor Richard Young made no bail application given that one of the charges was for attempted murder.

Judge Cephas Power granted free legal aid after Mr Young filed a statement of Mr O’Connor’s financial means to the court. There was no garda objection to legal aid.