State witness, Jonathan Dowdall is being transferred to a Dublin jail because there is “too much attention on him” at Limerick Prison.
The former Sinn Fein councillor, who is being assessed for witness protection, will be moved to an undisclosed jail in the capital for his safety.
Dowdall, 44, is deemed a high-risk prisoner and a source said too many people are aware of his current location so prison bosses are expected to move him within the next fortnight.
Read more: Jonathan Dowdall asked garda if 'there was any way out' after arrest
The source told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “People soon got wind that he was under protection in Limerick Prison. As there is such a high level of threat against him, there are plans to move him to a jail in Dublin.
“It’s hoped that the prison he is going to will be kept under wraps.”
The source added that while testifying against Gerry Hutch before Christmas, Dowdall was allegedly in a secure area of Cloverhill Prison under armed guard.
He is serving a four-year sentence for his role in facilitating the murder of David Byrne in Dublin’s Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. He is appealing the sentence. Gerry Hutch has pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Byrne.
The source added: “Nobody knew where he was while giving evidence but it’s understood he was in a secure area of Cloverhill Prison and there was an armed guard with him at all times.
“Finding a prison in Dublin which is secure enough and away from the general population will prove difficult. It’s unlikely he will go back to Cloverhill Prison. Nobody will know exactly where he is and that’s the way prison bosses and the authorities want it. His safety is paramount.” Authorities are reportedly struggling to find a country willing to accept Dowdall if he is accepted into the Witness Protection Programme.
The source said: “There is word that they have yet to get a country who is willing to allow Dowdall to live there. He’s so recognisable. Only time will tell what way it is going to play out.”
It emerged at the Special Criminal Court this week that Dowdall fears he could end up in a wheelchair due to ongoing spinal and mobility issues.
The court also heard he first raised the issue of witness protection three months after the Regency shooting.
When arrested he asked gardai: “Is there any way out of this?”
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