325 prisoners at large unlawfully
Figures released today show that 325 prisoners who should be behind bars are currently at large in Ireland.
According to the figures, which were obtained by Fine Gael from the Prison Service, show that the convicted criminals include at least one serious offender.
At Shelton Abbey Open Prison in Wicklow alone, 40 people escaped in the year to October 2005.
Of those recorded on the run in March, 217 were deemed to be unlawfully at large due to technical breaches (ie failing to sign on in prison while on temporary release).
In total 37 had been sentenced for assault, 65 for road traffic offences and 125 for various charges including burglary, theft, larceny, robbery, stolen property, aggravated burglary and trespass.
The Prison Service stated 179 inmates were serving less than 12 months and 146 had been sentenced to more than 12 months.
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