Call for tougher sanctions on inmates who attack staff

Prison officers have called for tougher sanctions for inmates who attack staff after a fresh incident in which a convicted murderer tried to choke an officer in Portlaoise Prison.

The incident took place at 7pm on Thursday when Darren Wynne, who was last year convicted of the murder of Jamie Lindsay in Athy in April 2013, left his cell as part of normal recess and attacked the prison officer, putting put his hands around his neck. Another officer was also injured before calm was restored.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) said both men required medical treatment but returned to work yesterday. The Irish Prison Service confirmed that an incident took place but said it would not comment on individual incidents.