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.

“They are unlawfully at large. We will be given their last known addresses and it will be followed up,” said a spokesman.

Of the 290 granted release, 24 failed to return on time - the deadline was last Thursday - and 16 are still free. Most have only a few months to serve while the latest date of release is April 1.

They include six from Mountjoy, one from the Dochas centre, two from the St Patrick’s Institution, three from the Midlands, one from Loughan in Cavan, one from Spike Island in Cork, one from Limerick Prison’s female unit and one from Shelton Abbey.

A Justice Department official said the failure of a few to return would not adversely affect Christmas temporary release programmes in the future.

The official said: “The programme is an integral part of the prison system. You cannot punish everyone for the actions of individuals. The majority complied with the conditions laid down.”

Those brought back will be charged under prison rules and will have to serve the time spent at large. Because all have almost completed their sentence, they are not likely to suffer any further punishment.