Prisoner ‘At Large’ After Escaping Portlaoise Prison Last Weekend

A prisoner is on the run from Portlaoise prison after escaping during a hospital visit.

The Irish Prison Service confirmed to The Irish Mirror that the prisoner has been 'at large' for almost a week having escaped his handcuffs during a cigarette break at the Midland Regional Hospital's A&E on Saturday January 20.

Darren McInerney is serving a two year sentence in Portlaoise Prison for assault causing harm having been convicted in June 2017, according to the publication.

A spokesperson for the prison service said: "The prisoner escaped custody while at Portlaoise Hospital on Saturday, January 20.

"Gardai immediately began an extensive search to find the man.

"The prisoner remains at large and Gardai are continuing their search."