Brother of inmate who died in Limerick Prison fails in court bid to attend funeral

A MAN WHO is currently in custody applied for bail to attend his brother’s funeral after he passed away suddenly in Limerick Prison on Christmas Day.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan made the application on behalf of Daniel Ryan, aged 25, of St Munchin's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick city, at a vacation sitting of the district court this Thursday. He is currently on remand on a number of charges.

The State objected to the application which was made before Judge Alec Gabbett.

Ms Ryan said Daniel Ryan's brother Michael Knapp Ryan passed away suddenly in Limerick Prison on Christmas Day.

Inmate in Limerick Prison dies on Christmas Day

"He would like to attend the funeral Mass at 10am on Saturday, December 31 and a few hours after it," said Mr Ryan.

Garda Ciarán Russell objected, saying he believes Mr Ryan will "commit further criminal acts and fail to answer bail".

The court heard Mr Ryan is charged with attempted burglary and possession of a hammer at Bishop Street, Limerick on November 28, 2022.

"He attempted to gain entry via the front door while in possession of a hammer. No entry was gained," alleged Garda Russell.

Mr Ryan is also charged with attempted burglary and possession of a crowbar at Island View Terrace, St Mary’s Park, Limerick city on December 4, 2022.

"It was 6.30am. He attempted to gain entry to the property with a crowbar and force open the door. The occupant was in bed at the time. No entry was gained,” alleged Garda Russell.

The investigating garda spoke of the "nature and strength of the evidence" and referenced CCTV.

"He has admitted he is a heroin addict who spends between €60 and €80 a day on heroin. He is not working. He commits crime to feed his habit," alleged Garda Russell.

Sergeant Aisling O’Neill, prosecuting, asked Garda Russell what he believes will happen if Mr Ryan is granted bail.

"That he will continue to engage in criminal behaviour to feed his habit in any way he can and he wouldn’t return to custody," said Garda Russell.

Ms Ryan asked the garda if Mr Ryan resides at the same address as his late brother Michael when not in custody

"Yes," said Garda Russell.

Judge Gabbett said the bail application was on "compassionate grounds".

"Yes, to attend the funeral Mass and a few hours after," said Ms Ryan.

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Judge Gabbett noted than an email regarding the application was sent on December 25.

He asked Ms Ryan if she was working on Christmas day. The solicitor said she was.

Judge Gabbett refused bail for Mr Ryan due in part to the "seriousness of the the charges".

"I am sorry for this man’s difficulties but I am refusing bail in all the circumstances," said Judge Gabbett.