‘No excuse’ for garda killer transfer, says prison boss

Prison chief Michael Donnellan apologised “completely and unreservedly” yesterday for the decision to transfer garda killer Martin McDermott from a closed jail to an open prison.

Mr Donnellan said there was “no excuse” as to how an official sanctioned the transfer to Loughan House in Co Cavan given the gravity of Mr McDermott’s crimes, a previous escape from the same jail and 91 previous convictions.

However, it is understood no disciplinary action is being taken against the official or anyone else.