Dale Cregan was subjected to false eye checks in prison Cregan is thought to have lost his eye in a fight with police in Thailand which involved a knuckle-duster. It is understood Cregan has been segregated from other prisoners for the last six months and is locked in his cell for 23 hours a day. He is watched closely when his cell door is unlocked for his hour in the exercise yard, after he made threats to harm a prison officer. Around 150 officers, several armed, swamped Preston Crown Court on each day of the trial which started in February as they monitored the complex and surrounding streets. Two snipers were positioned on the facing roof of a solicitor's building, while a portable cabin was erected at the entrance to assist in the searching of all visitors. Two paramedics were also on standby at court each day in case emergency medical assistance was needed. Greater Manchester Police was responsible for the manpower in escorting the convoy of vans containing Cregan and his nine co-accused to and from the prison, while Lancashire Constabulary provided the officers on the ground in Preston. The court building was also subjected to 24-hour surveillance.