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28/06/2011
Ford Announces Mistaken Release Of Another Prisoner
The Justice Minister David Ford has admitted another prisoner has been wrongfully released from Maghaberry prison, the fourth in eight months.
Mr Ford revealed on Tuesday morning that George Damien MacFerran, 47, was released from custody on Friday, despite still having six weeks left to serve on his sentence for assault with an offensive weapon.
MacFerran was apprehended by the PSNI on Monday afternoon and was returned to Maghaberry.
The Prison Service said they became aware of the erroneous release on Monday and informed the Minister.
David Ford he was "appalled" at the incident.
"Yet again, a prisoner has been released in error from Maghaberry prison. I have had an initial briefing on this incident and have directed that a thorough investigation be launched immediately.
"I want to know exactly how this has happened and how it took two days for the error to come to light. If it turns out that individuals are to blame the Director General has assured me that appropriate action will be taken."
The incident comes only eight month's since the last erroneous release, which involved three prisoners.
One of those, Sean Gerard Cahill, was released in error from custody on the November 24 last year. He was returned to Maghaberry on Friday, February 11 this year.
The incident means it is the second time this month the prison has hit the headlines after the Northern Ireland Prison Service announced the death of a remand prisoner who was being held at the facility.
Patrick Gerald Duffy, 49, was found dead in his Foyle House cell just after midnight on Thursday last. A prison spokesman said there were no signs of suspicious circumstances.
Announcing the death last week, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Colin McConnell said: “On behalf of everyone in the Prison Service, I would like to extend my sympathy to the Duffy family at this difficult time.”
Mr Duffy’s family were notified and the PSNI, Coroner, and Prisoner Ombudsman have launched an investigation.
SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginnness said Justice Minister David Ford must face up to his responsibilities following the spate of incidents.
The North Belfast MLA said: “This is yet another serious blunder by the Prison Service but the Justice Minister again wriggles around the issue of responsibility and blames everybody but himself.
“Is there not a point when the Minister, after so many fiascos, bears some responsibility for this series of grave errors?
(DW/KMcA)
Mr Ford revealed on Tuesday morning that George Damien MacFerran, 47, was released from custody on Friday, despite still having six weeks left to serve on his sentence for assault with an offensive weapon.
MacFerran was apprehended by the PSNI on Monday afternoon and was returned to Maghaberry.
The Prison Service said they became aware of the erroneous release on Monday and informed the Minister.
David Ford he was "appalled" at the incident.
"Yet again, a prisoner has been released in error from Maghaberry prison. I have had an initial briefing on this incident and have directed that a thorough investigation be launched immediately.
"I want to know exactly how this has happened and how it took two days for the error to come to light. If it turns out that individuals are to blame the Director General has assured me that appropriate action will be taken."
The incident comes only eight month's since the last erroneous release, which involved three prisoners.
One of those, Sean Gerard Cahill, was released in error from custody on the November 24 last year. He was returned to Maghaberry on Friday, February 11 this year.
The incident means it is the second time this month the prison has hit the headlines after the Northern Ireland Prison Service announced the death of a remand prisoner who was being held at the facility.
Patrick Gerald Duffy, 49, was found dead in his Foyle House cell just after midnight on Thursday last. A prison spokesman said there were no signs of suspicious circumstances.
Announcing the death last week, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Colin McConnell said: “On behalf of everyone in the Prison Service, I would like to extend my sympathy to the Duffy family at this difficult time.”
Mr Duffy’s family were notified and the PSNI, Coroner, and Prisoner Ombudsman have launched an investigation.
SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginnness said Justice Minister David Ford must face up to his responsibilities following the spate of incidents.
The North Belfast MLA said: “This is yet another serious blunder by the Prison Service but the Justice Minister again wriggles around the issue of responsibility and blames everybody but himself.
“Is there not a point when the Minister, after so many fiascos, bears some responsibility for this series of grave errors?
(DW/KMcA)
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