A BLACKLION man accused of attempting to murder a student police officer in Garrison last November is to take legal action after he was bitten by a dog while on remand in Maghaberry prison last week,
Kevin Barry Nolan, 33, with an address at Main Street, Blacklion is believed to have been severely injured after he was bitten by a dog on the right arm as he made his way to the prison gym last Tuesday.
A source told the Herald that, "on the afternoon of Tuesday 16 February, Kevin Barry Nolan from Belcoo, a remand prisoner at Magheraberry prison was bitten on the right arm by a guard dog and severely injured. He was going from his cell block with a companion to the gymnasium when the dog lunged at him and bit him on the right arm.
"The prison officer who failed to control the dog managed to command the dog to let Kevin go.
"He was severely injured, but was refused the services of a doctor even though there was a doctor in the adjoining block at this time.
"The nurse in charge refused what was surely at the time a reasonable request.
"Even though the injury was caused by a dog, he was refused a tetanus injection until quite some time later. He also requested to be removed to hospital if he couldn't be seen by a doctor, but that request was also refused.
"He has now been charged with refusing to obey an order which is very cynical and a crude attempt at a cover up by the prison authorities. It is understood that the following day, prominent notices were erected warning inmates to stay three metres from the dogs.
"The next time Mr Nolan went outside he noticed that the dog handler was keeping the dog very well away from prisoners."
The Fermanagh 32 County Sovereignty Committee condemned the incident which it described as 'an assault'.
It stated: "The information coming from inside the prison is that Kevin received numerous wounds to his body from the dog after getting mauled and was severely bitten on the arm and then left with the basic minimal treatment given by the prison officials.
"This treatment of an Irish republican prisoner is totally disgraceful, and once more shows the true colours of the British state when it comes to dealing with Irish republicans.
"This is despicable behaviour from the prison authorities, and a breach of Kevin's human rights."
Meanwhile, Nolan's solicitor, Frank McManus of Murphy and McManus Solicitors confirmed that he has received instructions to take whatever legal action is necessary arising out of the incident.
The source continued: "Mr Nolan instructed his solicitor that the incident was captured on CCTV and a request has been made to the prison authorities to make the footage available."
"The matter is being formally investigated by senior management at Maghaberry.
Taken from Fermanagh Herald paper
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