Manhunt underway after violent prisoner escapes during Limerick hospital escort

The prisoner was in prison for violent disorder, assault and criminal damage

The prisoner is serving a four-and-a-half-year sentence in Limerick Prison. Picture: Dan Linehan

A manhunt is underway for a violent prisoner who escaped from custody while being escorted to hospital in Limerick.

John Moloney, aged 23, from Garryowen escaped while being escorted to St John’s Hospital on Wednesday at around 3pm.

The prisoner is serving a four-and-a-half-year sentence in Limerick Prison for violent disorder, assault and criminal damage.

It is understood he escaped a prison escort before being driven from the scene by someone known to him.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service told the Irish Examiner they are currently investigating the circumstances of the escape.

The spokesperson added: “A prisoner has escaped from lawful custody while on escort to St John’s Hospital in Limerick yesterday afternoon.

"An Garda Síochána were notified immediately and provided with all the relevant information in relation to the prisoner.” 

Gardaí confirmed they were also alerted to the incident.

“An Garda Síochána continues to liaise with the Irish Prison Service and investigations are ongoing,” they said.