Man released in error returned to jail

A man who was mistakenly released from Mountjoy prison two months ago is today back behind bars after he was arrested by armed…

A man who was mistakenly released from Mountjoy prison two months ago is today back behind bars after he was arrested by armed detectives, it has been confirmed.

Mark Kenny (35), who was serving a six-year sentence for robbery, was freed last June instead of another prisoner with the same name.

A number of gardai last night raided a house in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin after receiving a tip-off Kenny was there.

A Garda spokeswoman said there was a small altercation but officers managed to restrain the prisoner before returning him to Mountjoy.

READ MORE

When asked to comment on the arrest, a spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said an investigation had been launched at the time of the mistaken release and he confirmed that disciplinary charges had been brought against those officers involved.

Kenny, who is originally from Ballyfermot, was not due to be released until 2010, but was let out on June 20th instead of another Mark Kenny, who was serving a short sentence for traffic violations and was due for temporary release.

The error was discovered around 20 minutes later, gardaí were notified and a manhunt was immediately launched.

Meanwhile, a Bolivian national is still at large and believed to have left the jurisdiction after he escaped during a temporary work release in May.

Juan Carlos Melgar Alba (42), was helping to build a community centre in Ballymun, Dublin, when he fled.

He was serving an eight-year sentence and was not due for release until July 2009.

The Prison Service spokesman said Kenny will most likely meet with the governor of Mountjoy Prison tomorrow, who may restrict his privileges as punishment for the incident.

His sentence is expected also to be adjusted to take into account the time he spent at large.

PA