Gardaí release photograph of dangerous escapee

Gardaí have released a photograph of the escaped prisoner they are hunting after he escaped from custody on Sunday.

Senior officers believe Ian Stewart is still in the country and are investigating his relatives and known criminal associates.

They warn that Stewart is dangerous and violent and that members of the public should not go near him if they see him.

“The fact that is he regarded as a dangerous criminal, with a propensity for violence, it’s in the interests of the public that they have the picture and if they came across him they would be able to recognise him,” said Chief Superintendent Pat Brehony.

Stewart, who is serving 10 years for armed robbery and assault, escaped from prison officers during a humanitarian visit to his sick mother in Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross in south Dublin.

Gardaí said Stewart was 6’ 3’’ tall and weighed 11.8 stone. He’s described as having brown hair, blue eyes and of medium build.

Prison authorities are investigating how he escaped, given the three prison officers who escorted him were under orders to keep him handcuffed at all times.

It was reported the officers released the handcuffs in a humanitarian gesture at his mother’s beside.

He jumped out a hospice window at around 1.30pm on Sunday and escaped.

It’s understood a prison officer tried to follow him out the window but hurt his ankle on landing.

Gardaí suspect Stewart, originally from Moynihan Court in Tallaght, west Dublin, travelled back to his home area for assistance.

“I’d imagine he is still in the country,” said Chief Supt Brehony.

He said gardaí were carrying out searches in the obvious places Stewart might be in Tallaght.

Anyone with information should contact Tallaght Garda Station at 01-6666000 or the Garda Confidential Line on free-phone [phone].