Concerns over early releases for inmates

THERE were fresh concerns over the premature release of prisoners yesterday after it emerged an inmate served only three nights of a four-month prison sentence and committed a seriousviolent offence after being let out.

This man has since been charged for the offence, but information about him or details of the crime cannot be given for legal reasons. The incident comes days after it emerged another prisoner committed a serious offence when he was supposed to have been in jail.

A major investigation has been set up by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern into that case, which is being carried out by the Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly.