Jim Higgins
Question:201 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners who escaped from custody in 1997 and to date in 1998; and the circumstances surrounding each escape. [24006/98]
Written Answers. - Prison Escapes.
There were no escapes from within any of the closed prison institutions in 1997 and, to date, in 1998. There were ten escapes from the custody of prison officers during the period in question. Seven occurred on escort to hospital, two on escort to court and one prisoner escaped from the custody of prison officers while lodged temporarily at a Garda station. These figures do not include escapes of prisoners from Garda custody, abscondings from accompanied temporary release or abscondings from open centres. The circumstances surrounding the escapes are outlined below.
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2-5-97 |
The prisoner was on escort to Dublin Circuit Court. The handcuffs were removed when he was being placed into the holding cell. He bolted and effected his escape. |
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29-9-97 |
Prisoner on escort to hospital produced a syringe and threatened staff. Handcuffs were removed and he made good his escape. |
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14-12-97 |
Prisoner was attending hospital as an outpatient. She managed to run away from prison staff. |
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26-1-98 |
Prisoner escaped while being treated in hospital. Handcuffs had been removed for treatment. |
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3-4-98 |
While in hospital the prisoner apparently slipped handcuffs and escaped through a window. |
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10-6-98 |
Prisoner escaped from the holding cell under Dublin District Court No. 46. When other prisoners were removed from the cell and moved into the Bridewell he slipped unnoticed up the stairway and out the courtroom door. |
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12-8-98 |
Prisoner attending hospital apparently slipped handcuffs and ran away. |
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16-8-98 |
Prisoner escaped from custody while being treated in hospital. |
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21-9-98 |
Prisoner apparently slipped handcuffs and ran from hospital. |
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1-10-98 |
Prisoner escaped from Garda station while in the custody of prison officers. |
Only two of the above prisoners are still at large.