Jail closures ‘leave 500 prisoners at large’

INCREASING numbers of prisoners are being given temporary release as a result of the closure of two jails, it was claimed yesterday.

The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) estimates 500 to 600 prisoners are at large because of a worsening overcrowding problem.

Deputy general secretary Eugene Dennehy said: “There are prisoners loose on our streets that should be in prison. The number on temporary release (TR) is frighteningly high.”