Prison officer’s face slashed

THE Irish Prison Officers’ Association (IPOA) have sought a meeting with prison management at Mountjoy following an attack on one of its members which left him with 20 stitches to his face.

The IPOA said the prison officer, who is in his mid-20s, was slashed in the face by a prisoner wielding a blade shortly before lunchtime yesterday.

The attack is said to have happened in the Separation Unit, where a number of prison officers were held hostage during a riot 12 years ago.

The prison officer sustained a serious gash to his face and was rushed to the Mater Hospital, where he received treatment.

IPOA deputy general secretary Eugene Dennehy said prison staff were extremely annoyed at the attack because the prisoner had been put in the Separation Unit due to serious overcrowding elsewhere in the jail.

Mr Dennehy said areas of the prison which were not previously used to house inmates were being used as cells due to overcrowding.

He said the IPOA had raised the issue of overcrowding and had sought an emergency meeting with prison officials.

“Prison officers working in Mountjoy are very concerned about what is happening. We have previously highlighted the issue of overcrowding and will continue to do so until it is addressed,” Mr Dennehy said.

Prison authorities have agreed to meet IPOA representatives next Tuesday.