Sixteen prisoners still unlawfully at large

SIXTEEN prisoners who remain unlawfully at large after being released for the Christmas break have all less then four months of their sentences to serve.

While a garda spokesman said the 16, including two women, will be chased down and, if found, brought back to jail, prison sources said it was likely some will only be caught and taken in if they re-offend. Others are expected to return of their own accord.

Gardaí have been given the last known addresses of the prisoners and these homes will be visited, according to a spokesman.