Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Two prison officers receive slash wounds in inmate attack at Mountjoy Prison

The prisoner used an improvised weapon.

TWO PRISON OFFICERS have been injured in an incident which took place in the Mountjoy Prison this morning.

The two officers were injured at 8.30am in an unprovoked attack by an inmate using an improvised weapon.

The officers have been taken to hospital with slash wounds, which while serious are not thought to be life threatening.

Investigation launched

The Irish Prison Service has commenced an investigation into the incident and the gardaí have also been notified.

The Director General of the Irish Prison Service has said that his thoughts are with the injured staff and their families.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) issued a statement to say it is deeply concerned about the assault of the officers.

The prisoner had been placed in the Challenging Behaviour Unit, where the assault occurred, on foot of a previous incident involving a member of the medical staff.

Security concerns 

Jim Mitchell, Deputy General Secretary said this morning, “our main concern at this time is the impact such an attack will have on the two people involved and of course their families. This attack does again raise the security of prison officers and the resources required to do all that is reasonable to ensure their safety in the workplace.”.

The group hightlighted that it was not the first incident where prison officers had been assaulted.

Mitchell said “it is clear to all of us in the POA that Prison Service Management do not understand the day to day challenges being faced by faced by prison officers on the frontline – and this is of deep concern to us”.

Read: Kenny says state financial watchdog can investigate Siteserv sale – the PAC says it can’t>

Read: Sexual consent needs to be legally defined: ‘Not doing so isolates and silences victims’>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
38 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds