Investigations Launched Into Mountjoy Riots

Two separate probes have been launched into a serious riot in Mountjoy prison last night, during which four men were hurt.

Officers in riot gear were rushed into the prison after a disturbance broke out when over 70 inmates barricaded themselves into an exercise yard for over two hours.

Three prison officers were hospitalised by inmates using improvised weapons such as pool cues and pool balls in socks.

The incident had began at 6.50pm, when teams of riot squad officers were called into the north Dublin jail from other prisons in the city, including St Patrick’s Institute on the Mountjoy campus and Wheatfield and Cloverhill prisons in west Dublin.

A Garda helicopter was also called to the scene and hovered over the prison with a searchlight targeting the recreation yard where the inmates were confronting the staff.

Gardai and the Prison Service have begun separate investigations into the riot.

Speaking on the Morning Ireland radio programme this morning, Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust Liam Herrick said measures such as temporary release should be considered, as serious overcrowding was at the heart of much of Mountjoy's problems.

The Director of the Prison Service has praised the staff for the way they handled the situation.

(DW/KMcA)