A LEGAL challenge by convicted criminal Wayne Dundon to a decision by the authorities at Cloverhill Prison to isolate him from the mainstream prison population has been further adjourned after talks failed to resolve the dispute.
Dundon, from Limerick, claims his segregation breaches natural and constitutional justice and the prison’s own rules.
Among his complaints is he is being denied access to prison educational and training facilities in circumstances where he wishes to learn languages such as Arabic and Turkish. He also has had restrictions placed on family visits.
In judicial review proceedings against the governor of Cloverhill Prison, the Minister for Justice and the State, Dundon has sought orders including one requiring his transfer to an ordinary block within the mainstream prison.
He also wants to take part in structured activities for not less than five hours a day, five days a week. Alternatively, he has sought a transfer out of Cloverhill into an ordinary block of another prison.
The respondents contend that Dundon has no arguable case.
Ms Justice Maureen Clark yesterday adjourned the matter to later this month after Pádraig Dwyer SC, for Dundon, said talks between the sides had failed to resolve the action. The judge added she was bemused by some of Dundon’s claims, including a wish to learn Arabic and Turkish.
Ms Justice Clarke also agreed that Dundon’s lawyers may amend his case where many of the issues raised had since been dealt with.
The matter was adjourned for mention before the president of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, later this month.