Dissident republican 'mauled' by prison dog

Editorial Department • Published 18 Feb 2010 10:37

It's been claimed dissident republican Kevin Barry Nolan was "mauled" by a prison dog while in custody in Maghaberry Jail on Tuesday.

The Blacklion republican, who is charged with the attempted murder of a trainee police officer in Fermanagh last year, was said to be returning from the gym with other Republican prisoners when the alleged incident took place.

A source inside the Co. Antrim prison revealed Nolan was "severely bitten on the arm" and received "numerous wounds to his body" after being attacked by a security dog.

It was further alleged he was "thrown back in his cell after basic, minimal treatment was administered by the prison officials."

In a statement the 32 County Sovereignty Movement condemned the incident and said, "This treatment of an Irish Republican prisoner is totally disgraceful, and once more shows the true colours of the British state when it comes to dealing with Irish Republicans. This is Despicable behaviour from the prison authorities, and a breach of Kevin's human rights."

The 33-year-old from Main Street, Blacklion was arrested along with Gerard James McManus from Letterkenny after an attempt to shoot the Catholic officer was foiled by an undercover police operation in Garrison last November.

Mr Nolan is further charged with having a gun.

He and Mr McManus appeared via video link from the prison at Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday and were remanded to appear again on March 15.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Prison Service could only confirm that an "incident" took place on Tuesday and that they are currently investigating the matter.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Feb 10

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