10/03/2017

NIPS Issues Apology After 'Dangerous' Prisoner Mistakenly Released

The Head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) has apologised after a "dangerous" inmate was mistakenly released from Maghaberry Prison.

Michael Lawrence Smith, who has been charged with murder, was released in error on Tuesday, 07 March, and has failed to return to prison.

Mr Ronnie Armour said what happened was a "very serious mistake".

He also apologised to the family of Stephen Carson who was fatally shot in his home in Walmer Street last year.

Meanwhile, Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn has called for a full investigation.

He said: "It is clear such a fundamental mistake should not have happened, particularly with a noted dangerous individual such as Smith.

"This is basic security and a full investigation should take place as to how it occurred."

The public are being urged not to approach Smith and to contact the police immediately.

(CD/LM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 March 2024
Four Die In Fatal Collision In Armagh In Early Hours Of 24 March
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a fatal collision in Armagh in the early hours of Sunday, 24 March. A driver and three passengers died when the grey Volkswagen Golf they were travelling in crashed on the Ballynahonemore Road at around 2.10am.
19 April 2024
Two Men Convicted In Paramilitary Crime Task Force Investigation
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of two men at Laganside Crown Court for a number of offences, following a major investigation into the activities of the east Belfast UVF. James McGrogan, aged 37, and 32-year-old Christopher Cullen were both convicted on Thursday 18th April, for a number of drug-related offences.
09 April 2024
Police Investigating Man's Death Following Ballynahinch Collision
The PSNI have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of an elderly man following a collision in Ballynahinch. It it understood that police were called at approximately 4.10pm on Monday 08 April, to reports of the "sudden death"of an elderly man at a quarry in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.
28 March 2024
Investigation Launches Into South Belfast Arson Attack
South Belfast PSNI have issued an appeal for information following an arson attack at a commercial premises in the Diamond Gardens area of Finaghy, in the early hours of Thursday 28th March.
14 February 2024
PSNI Investigate Fatal Collision On Cornascriebe Road
The PSNI have launched an investigation into the cause of a fatal collision on the Cornascriebe Road, between Tandragee and Hamiltonsbawn, on Tuesday 13th February. Police received a report shortly after 2.30pm of a collision involving a car and a tractor.