Drug-dealer John Gilligan is due back in the High Court at 2 p.m. today over a challenge he has made to the withdrawal of his privileges in Portlaoise Prison.
Gilligan is currently being held in a "bunker" in the prison following an alleged assault by him on a prison officer in a row over prison-shop access. He is scheduled to stay there for two months.
The decision came after an assistant chief prison officer said Gilligan had punched him in the face on March 27th after an abusive verbal exchange and struggle over the opening of the prison shop, where Gilligan wanted to buy biscuits and soft drinks.
Gilligan denied the attack when charged under prison rules.
Lawyers for Gilligan claimed in the High Court on Tuesday their clients' punishment and loss of privileges were meted out without him being granted right of reply. This was unconstitutional, it was argued.
Gilligan was sentenced at the Special Criminal Court last month to 28 years in prison after being convicted of importing and having cannabis resin for sale and supply.
An appeal is pending.
