All inmates of secure unit escape following break-outs

ALL the inmates at the most costly secure unit in the State were at large for a time over the weekend following two separate break-outs.

The entire population of the Coovagh House high-security centre for troubled teens made a dash for freedom yesterday, with one youth fleeing after abducting a male care worker at knife-point and two girls taking off after assaulting and stealing the keys to their unit from a female care worker.

The centre can hold five teens at an estimated cost of €400,000 per inmate.