Gilligan back in jail after visit to hospital

The convicted drug dealer John Gilligan was back in Portlaoise Prison last night after having been hospitalised following a stomach complaint.

Gilligan requested medical assistance at his cell in Portlaoise Prison at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday. Prison medical staff examined him and decided he should be admitted to hospital for further treatment.

The 50-year-old, who is serving a 28-year sentence for drugs offences, was taken under armed escort to the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, which has a special maximum security ward for prisoners.

While Gilligan has suffered from a heart condition, his latest illness is believed to have been a minor stomach complaint. After receiving treatment from hospital staff he was judged to be well enough to return to prison.

He was escorted back to the jail early yesterday morning.

Last year, Gilligan spent a short period at the same hospital, after complaining of pains in his arms. He was then transferred to St James's Hospital in Dublin.

The former crime boss has reportedly become something of a fitness fanatic following his health scare last year.