Judge Keenan Johnson voiced the comments as he sentenced 39-year-old Sifoso Mpobole.
A Westmeath judge is describing prison conditions as "unconscionable and inhumane."
Judge Keenan Johnson made the remarks in sentencing 39 year old Sifoso Mpobole, of Alverno Drive, Willow Park, Athlone, in Westmeath today.
Mpobole had pleaded guilty at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court to money laundering involving €62,100 in crime proceeds.
Judge Johnson is imposing 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-year, six-month prison sentence.
He welcomed new legislation increasing the limit to 480 hours, and says he lobbied for a 600-hour ceiling because of current prison conditions, where three prisoners are sometimes held in a single cell with an open toilet.
Uisce Eireann Working To Repair Burst Watermains in Westmeath
Laois Councillor Outlines 'Life Changing Experience' On Humanitarian Trip
Volunteers Encourage People Across Westmeath To Hang Up County Flags
Lough Ree RNLI Issue Bank Holiday Water Safety Appeal
Laois Village Raises €170k For New Sports Amenity
Midlands Records Over 100 Homeless Children In April
Gardai Bank Holiday Operation Clocks Speeding Midlands Drivers
Irish Online Shoppers Facing Higher Customs Charges From July
Offaly Bond Holder Wins €500k
Muintir na Tíre Host Property Marking In Offaly
Gardaí Pick Up Early Midlands Speeders On June Bank Holiday Weekend
Plans In Place For Laois Housing Development
Water Network Upgrades In Laois
Ministers Burke And Dillon Announce New Employment Permits
Carlow County Council Encourages Creatives To Apply To CUBE Craft Academy In Greece
Midlands Gears Up For Vibrant June Bank Holiday Weekend
HSE Midlands Points To Care Options Ahead Of Bank Holiday
Laois TD Criticising An Coimisiún Pleanála Planning Delays
Offaly Brothers Found Not Guilty Of Attempted Murder
Midlands MEP Wants CAP Funding Boost For Young Farmers