Shelton Abbey prisoners granted seasonal release
SIXTY prisoners incarcerated in Shelton Abbey, Arklow, were among the 142 approved for temporary release over the Christmas period.
The prisoners were among those approved for release over the festive season, and were assessed on under specific criteria and The Irish Prison Service confirmed that all of the released prisoners returned on schedule. The figure released represents four per cent of the overall prisoner population and compares with 242, 203 and 177 prisoners for Christmas 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively.
‘Many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public. In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history,’ a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said.
The periods of release vary from one to seven nights.
‘All releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the gardaí,’ added the spokesperson.