Menu
04/10/2010
Freed Prisoner Upset For North's Minister
After news that the Northern Ireland Prison Service released a man from prison in error, the PSNI and their colleagues in the Irish Republic are now searching for the alleged rapist freed from Maghaberry prison by mistake.
Devidas Paliutis, 27, originally from Lithuania, appeared at Newry Magistrates Court, via video link from the prison, on Wednesday and the Prison Service was advised that the holding charges were withdrawn from the Magistrates' Court.
"However, they failed to act on the notification that other charges had been substituted, for which he was returned for trial to the Crown Court, and erroneously released Mr Paliutis," the Prison Service said in a statement.
The error was discovered on Thursday, but prison authorities delayed publicising the mistake for 24 hours in the hope he could be picked up - but to no avail.
Justice Minister David Ford has ordered an immediate and full inquiry into the circumstances that led to this release. He will now invite the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice to review the findings.
The PSNI have described him as having brown eyes, brown hair, of medium build, with a left ear piercing, a vaccination mark on his upper left arm and scars on both knees and the forehead.
A satement said that the Police Service of Northern Ireland, An Garda Siochána and Interpol have been advised and are co-ordinating efforts to have Mr Paliutis returned to custody. Steps are being taken to safeguard the interests of the victim of the alleged crime.
(BMcC/GK)
Devidas Paliutis, 27, originally from Lithuania, appeared at Newry Magistrates Court, via video link from the prison, on Wednesday and the Prison Service was advised that the holding charges were withdrawn from the Magistrates' Court.
"However, they failed to act on the notification that other charges had been substituted, for which he was returned for trial to the Crown Court, and erroneously released Mr Paliutis," the Prison Service said in a statement.
The error was discovered on Thursday, but prison authorities delayed publicising the mistake for 24 hours in the hope he could be picked up - but to no avail.
Justice Minister David Ford has ordered an immediate and full inquiry into the circumstances that led to this release. He will now invite the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice to review the findings.
The PSNI have described him as having brown eyes, brown hair, of medium build, with a left ear piercing, a vaccination mark on his upper left arm and scars on both knees and the forehead.
A satement said that the Police Service of Northern Ireland, An Garda Siochána and Interpol have been advised and are co-ordinating efforts to have Mr Paliutis returned to custody. Steps are being taken to safeguard the interests of the victim of the alleged crime.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 July 2016
Fitzgerald Unveils Prison Officer Recruitment Campaign
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has unveiled a new recruitment campaign which aims to recruit up to 360 prison officers over the next three years.
Fitzgerald Unveils Prison Officer Recruitment Campaign
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has unveiled a new recruitment campaign which aims to recruit up to 360 prison officers over the next three years.
08 May 2015
Gardai Launch Manhunt After Prisoner Escapes From Court
Gardaí have launched a manhunt after a prisoner escaped from Cloverhill in Dublin. The man escaped from Bray Circuit Court in Wicklow after his case was heard on Thursday morning. According to RTE, the man ran off after his handcuffs were removed.
Gardai Launch Manhunt After Prisoner Escapes From Court
Gardaí have launched a manhunt after a prisoner escaped from Cloverhill in Dublin. The man escaped from Bray Circuit Court in Wicklow after his case was heard on Thursday morning. According to RTE, the man ran off after his handcuffs were removed.
18 May 2015
Call For Justice Minister To Provide Safety Assurances At Cork Prison
The Justice Minister is being called to give assurances about the safety of prisoners and staff following a fatal stabbing at Cork Prison. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said the attack was a "serious breach of security".
Call For Justice Minister To Provide Safety Assurances At Cork Prison
The Justice Minister is being called to give assurances about the safety of prisoners and staff following a fatal stabbing at Cork Prison. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said the attack was a "serious breach of security".
06 November 2012
Murdered Prison Officer's Funeral Takes Place Today
The funeral of murdered prison officer David Black is due to take place today. The 52-year-old father of two was shot as he drove to his work at Maghaberry Prison. The shooting occurred on the M1 in County Armagh on Thursday. A private service is to be held at the family home in Cookstown.
Murdered Prison Officer's Funeral Takes Place Today
The funeral of murdered prison officer David Black is due to take place today. The 52-year-old father of two was shot as he drove to his work at Maghaberry Prison. The shooting occurred on the M1 in County Armagh on Thursday. A private service is to be held at the family home in Cookstown.
14 December 2010
North's Prisons 'Cost Too Much To Run'
It has emerged that there are more people working in the North of Ireland's jails than there are inmates to supervise. A report - just published - has also described industrial relations in NI prisons as "destructive". It said that the cost is very high too, almost £95,000 a year - some two and a half times more than anywhere else in the UK.
North's Prisons 'Cost Too Much To Run'
It has emerged that there are more people working in the North of Ireland's jails than there are inmates to supervise. A report - just published - has also described industrial relations in NI prisons as "destructive". It said that the cost is very high too, almost £95,000 a year - some two and a half times more than anywhere else in the UK.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
