Twelve prisoners are in isolation in the women’s wing of Mountjoy prison because of Covid19, a court heard on Monday.
It emerged during a bail hearing before Judge Bryan Smyth at Dublin District Court.
The case involved a west Dublin woman, facing theft charges, including one which will be dealt with in a higher court.
There was a garda objection to bail based on her history of bench warrants which were issued for failing to turn up to previous court appearances.
There were 20 prior warrants.
Pleading for bail, defence solicitor Tracy Horan asked Judge Smyth to take into account the current climate, referring the the coronavirus pandemic.
The solicitor told Judge Smyth that as a result of the current climate “12 prisoners in the Dochas Centre are in isolation”.
The Dochas centre has a capacity of 105 prisoners but has frequently operated in excess of that number.
Judge Smyth granted bail but imposed a number of conditions.
A book of evidence is to be prepared for one of the woman’s charges which will go forward for trial before a judge and jury in the circuit court.
In that case it was alleged she stole a purse with contents including cash and a phone from a women in a cafe in Dublin city centre last November.
The accused, who is in her forties and on social welfare, was granted legal aid and ordered to appear again in June. She did not address the court
She was told that she had to continue to reside at her home in Ballyfermot and notify gardai of any change of address.
She must sign on at her local garda station once a week, stay out of the Dublin 1 area and be of good behaviour, she was warned by the judge as bail was set.
