Prisoner released in error in NI

A prisoner has been released in error in Northern Ireland.

A prisoner has been released in error in Northern Ireland.

Sean Gerard Cahill was convicted of aggravated vehicle taking at Belfast's Laganside Courts last Wednesday and sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

He was released because of the time he spent on remand awaiting trial but should have been returned to custody to face charges of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and taking a vehicle without the owner's consent.

Justice minister David Ford said: "I have demanded that a disciplinary investigation be launched immediately into
this most serious matter.

"It is vital that we urgently find out why this has happened and if individuals are to blame I will move swiftly to take the appropriate action.”

This is the third time within months that a prisoner has been released in error.

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