Armed robber at large after Christmas release
An armed robber and a forger have gone missing after being given Christmas home leave from a Northern Ireland jail, it emerged today.
The pair, both from Belfast, were among 100 inmates let out over the holiday period by prison authorities.
All of those who qualified for time at home were due back by January 2nd.
However, Robert Cowan, 52, from the Mount Vernon area of north Belfast, was tonight still at large.
He has been serving a four-year sentence for armed robbery.
Paul Kervein (aged 43), from east Belfast, has also yet to return to his cell.
Kervein, whose family are based in Yorkshire, was jailed for three years for forgery and handling stolen goods.
Both men were being held at Magilligan Prison in Co Derry and due for release next month.
All 100 prisoners given Christmas leave from Magilligan, Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood were in the final stages of their sentences and underwent risk assessment.
The Prison Service expressed dismay that the pair had flouted the arrangements.
A spokesman said: “It is unfortunate that a small number of prisoners choose to breach the conditions of the Christmas home leave scheme.
“The scheme has been operational for many years and has been largely successful.
“It has helped underpin our policy of strengthening prisoners’ links with their families, particularly over the festive season.”
