Gardai are investigating a violent attack on a prison officer by a prisoner trying to escape during a medical escort in Dublin this morning, reports RTE.
The prisoner, who is serving a life sentence for murder, poked the officer in the eye with what was believed to be a sharp toilet brush.
He was taken from Munsey Prison this morning to a doctor’s appointment at a private clinic.
As he was being escorted back to the van with the officers handcuffed, he tried to run and when he was unable to escape, he attacked the officer.
Prison sources say he was searched before he left the prison and all security protocols were followed, but the weapon was not detected by the metal detector because it was made of wood or plastic, reports RTE.
Three officers on the escort overpowered the prisoner and took him back to prison.
He was convicted of murder after stabbing a man to death in Dublin a few years ago.
The officer was hospitalized for his injuries.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has confirmed that a prison officer was attacked and injured in Munsey prison today.
The incident once again shows the risks, challenges and dangers that prison officers face when carrying out their duties on behalf of the state.
“These challenges are faced daily by prison officers and indeed their families,” the POA said, reports RTE.
The Irish Prison Service said in a statement that they were aware of an incident that occurred today involving an escort from Munsey Prison.
“An Garda Síochána have been informed and therefore the Irish Prison Service cannot comment on an ongoing investigation”, reports RTE.
Minister for Justice Simon Harris greatly condemned the attack on the prison officer.
Mr Harris said the case highlights “the very dangerous circumstances in which prison officers carry out essential work on behalf of the public. My thoughts are with the prison officer who was injured in a serious assault today, as well as with his family and colleagues in the Irish Prison Service,” reports RTE
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.