Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington yesterday granted permission to Frederick ‘Freddie’ Thompson, 39, to bring the challenge, which she made returnable to a date in September, The Irish Times reports.

Mr Thompson claims that his human rights are being violated as he spends most of his time on “lock-up” and is denied contact with prisoners as well as regular exercise, fresh air and appropriate education.

He is serving a life sentence following his conviction at the Special Criminal Court for the 2016 murder of David Douglas.

Mr Thompson, represented by Dublin-based Niall O’Connor & Co Solicitors, brought proceedings against the Governor of Portlaoise Prison and the Irish Prison Service (IPS).