Portlaoise prisoner stabs prison officers

Gardai have appealed for the public’s assistance after an inmate at Portlaoise Prison stabbed two prison officers and fled while attending hospital in Dublin.

Armed robber Derek Brockwell(53) was attending Tallaght Hospital from Portlaoise Prison when he attacked prison officers. He is reported to have stabbed two prison officers before escaping.

It’s understood one of the officers required surgery after being stabbed in the stomach. The second officer was injured in the hand.  Gardai in Tallaght are investigating an incident which occurred at Tallaght Hospital at approximately 3pm this afternoon.

Derek Brockwell is described as being 6’03’’ tall with brown hair and broad build. Gardai are anxious to trace the whereabouts of this prisoner and wish to appeal for the public's assistance in locating him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01- 6666000, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Meanwhile, the Prison Officers Association has expressed deep concern about the incident and said “our thoughts at this time are with our two injured colleagues and their families.”

Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association Jim Mitchell said “it is vitally important that the Irish Prison Service thoroughly investigate this incident and establish how such a serious assault could have occurred.”

He stated “it is very evident that prisoners, who are known to be dangerous and pose a serious risk, must be accompanied by appropriate levels of security when being escorted outside the prison environment. This, and indeed other incidents where our colleagues have been injured in recent years, raises many serious questions which must be tackled by prison management.”

This most serious incident in Tallaght today again highlights the many risks and challenges faced by prison officers, while doing their duty on behalf of the State on a daily basis, added Mr Mitchell.