16/07/2012

Brothers Escaped From Roscommon Prison

Two brothers have escaped from Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon overnight, the Prison Service has confirmed.

The two, who are of Romanian origin, were serving sentences after being found guilty of robbing from parking meters in Galway.

Both were due to be released next April and one of the brothers had received a letter notifying him of a decision from the Department of Justice that he should leave the State.

The brothers, aged 23 and 29, were last seen in the Grove area of the prison at 11.30pm last night, but were reported as "unaccounted for" at 6.30am this morning.

The Prison Service would not comment but it is understood that they left a note saying that they could not stay in the prison.

A search is under way and prison authorities are also trying to establish how they managed to escape.

(H)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 July 2016
Fitzgerald Unveils Prison Officer Recruitment Campaign
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has unveiled a new recruitment campaign which aims to recruit up to 360 prison officers over the next three years.
21 March 2024
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
18 May 2015
Call For Justice Minister To Provide Safety Assurances At Cork Prison
The Justice Minister is being called to give assurances about the safety of prisoners and staff following a fatal stabbing at Cork Prison. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said the attack was a "serious breach of security".
06 November 2012
Murdered Prison Officer's Funeral Takes Place Today
The funeral of murdered prison officer David Black is due to take place today. The 52-year-old father of two was shot as he drove to his work at Maghaberry Prison. The shooting occurred on the M1 in County Armagh on Thursday. A private service is to be held at the family home in Cookstown.
26 March 2024
Health And Social Care Easter Arrangements Outlined
The Department of Health has announced arrangements for health and social care services over the Easter holiday period, encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.