Member of Hutch family ‘lonely’ in jail due to security measures

A cousin of murdered Gary Hutch would have special difficulties in serving his prison sentence for burglary due to his security arrangements in custody, a court has heard.

Samuel Hutch (40) is not allowed visitors or to mingle with other prisoners and cannot access prison facilities or courses due to the security arrangements.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard there was an “environment of fear and tension” and Hutch was “isolated” and “extremely lonely.”

Breffni Gordon BL, defending, said it was “clear from his name” and security arrangements that he was related to the Hutch family who have been discussed in the media. He said part of his client’s troubles of late are connected with events outside prison and the courts.

He said Hutch was affected by the death of his cousin to whom he was close. However counsel said he was “a completely different character” who was not associated with the “brand of criminality” of other members of his family.

Mr Gordon said Hutch had fallen into drug addiction when 16-years-old and offended to feed his habit.

Hutch, of Cardiffsbridge Avenue, Finglas, Dublin, pleaded guilty to trespass and possession of a stolen bicycle in Sandymount on October 25th, 2015. He also pleaded guilty to damaging a car door in Ringsend on the same date.

Convictions

Hutch, who has 89 previous convictions, further admitted a burglary in Cabra on February 6th last.

His previous convictions include 39 burglaries, possession of a phone in prison, robbery, theft, criminal damage, as well as road traffic and drugs offences.

Mr Gordon said the court could take the view based on his record that he was operating in an “entirely different environment” to other members of his family.

He said prior to these offences Hutch had been doing quite well and completed a residential rehabilitation course but family tragedies in 2015 including the murder of his cousin Gary in Spain had caused his life to spiral out of control again. He fell back into drug use and offending.

Mr Gordon said although Hutch did not have access to a drug counsellor due to his security arrangements he has detoxed in custody and is now medicated only for health issues.

He said because of difficulties in recent times Hutch intended on his release to take an opportunity to start his life afresh “somewhere else.”

Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing in the case until July 21st to allow a victim impact report be completed in one of the cases and allow urinalysis be undertaken.