Family of dead garda 'let down' by system

The family of Garda Gary McLoughlin have expressed their shock and upset that the man found responsible for his death was sent to a low security prison from which he was able to escape.

Martin McDermott from Raphoe was sentenced to seven years in prison for the manslaughter of Leitrim-born garda Gary McLoughlin in Muff in Donegal in 2009.

McDermott escaped from Loughan House in Cavan last Thursday and he was later re-arrested in Derry.

Superintendent Kevin English has visited with the family of Garda McLoughlin.

He said that they are upset with how the they have been treated by the justice system.

Superintendent English said: "I personally called to the McLoughlin family last Monday at their home.

"To be honest I found them very distressed, they felt very let down by the justice system - in that they failed to understand how a person convicted of manslaughter was allowed to be placed in what is generally referred to as a low security prison."