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Absconding Prisoners

Volume 459: debated on Wednesday 25 April 2007

9. To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to introduce greater deterrents for prisoners who abscond from custody in Northern Ireland. (132691)

Details of prisoners who escape from prison custody are brought to the attention of the relevant authorities with a view to prosecution. In cases where prisoners have absconded while on temporary release, prosecution is also possible.

In addition, the governor is able to punish the prisoner with a range of measures including cellular confinement. The prisoner also has the number of days he was unlawfully at large added to his original release date.