A search is continuing after a prisoner awaiting sentencing for assault escaped from custody in Dublin on Saturday morning.
The Irish Prison Service confirmed that the prisoner escaped while at Tallaght Hospital where he is understood to have been an in-patient for about a week.
Keith Macken (43), from Cabra, was an inmate at Wheatfield Prison where he was awaiting sentencing for assault causing harm. He had been receiving treatment at the hospital in recent days but escaped at about 6am.
Gardaí were notified immediately and provided with the prisoner’s details.
The Irish Prison Service is investigating the escape.
In a statement, it said “the Irish Prison Service can confirm that a prisoner has escaped from lawful custody”.
“An Garda Síochána were notified immediately and provided with all the relevant information in relation to the prisoner. The Irish Prison Service is currently investigating the circumstances of the escape.”
