Convicted prisoner on the run from Antrim jail

A convicted murderer is on the run after failing to return from Christmas home leave from a Northern Ireland jail.

Thomas McCabe, 39, has not been seen since he was let out of Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn, Co Antrim on December 23.

The life-sentence prisoner was due to report back four days later on St Stephen's Day.

Detectives have launched a manhunt for McCabe, who was found guilty of killing a girlfriend’s relative.

A Northern Ireland Prison Service spokeswoman confirmed: “Police have been notified that he is unlawfully at large.”

McCabe, who is originally from Newry, Co Down, was released along with 108 other prisoners in Northern Ireland after risk assessments were carried out.

Even though many were allowed 10 days’ home leave, he was freed for less than half that period.

McCabe told prison authorities he would be staying at an address in the Belfast area.

But well over a week later, the killer has yet to return.

According to the prison service he was found guilty of offences against the person.

But security sources disclosed that McCabe murdered his girlfriend’s cousin in London in 1990.

It is believed he was held at Wormwood Scrubs after his conviction before being transferred to Maghaberry in 1992.

McCabe, who is described as 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build with light brown hair and blue eyes, qualified for the scheme due to the length of time he had served, the prison service said.

“He was in the pre-release phase of his sentence,” the spokeswoman added.