Extra prisons to cut inmates to Mountjoy by 25%

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell last night moved to ease overcrowding at Mountjoy jail in the aftermath of a gruesome killing there earlier this month.

By opening two other prisons to male inmates sentenced in courts in eastern counties, Mr McDowell hopes to cut the numbers going to Mountjoy by a quarter.

Overcrowding at the Dublin prison was highlighted by the death of 21-year-old Gary Douch in a basement holding cell containing several other prisoners.