THE dangerous inmate who sliced a highly-regarded prison officer in a shocking attack has been transferred to Ireland’s maximum security jail in Portlaoise.
We have learned the young thug, aged in his 20s, will now face the strictest measures to ensure staff members’ safety.
The highly volatile lag launched a completely unprovoked attack on the officer on Sunday afternoon as he emerged from his cell on B-Base at Dublin’s Mountjoy.
The staff member suffered a deep wound from his lip to chin and underwent surgery following the incident.
The move of the prisoner responsible – who previously carried out two stabbings in Dublin – is set to be barrier handled when he comes into contact with prison officers.
Although he has not been arrested yet, it is expected that he will be charged over the horror assault with a homemade shiv.
A source told us: “There is resources and training in Portlaoise to deal with the likes of him.
“He will be barrier handled in there, so when he comes out of his cell there will be a number of staff who will wear full riot gear and have shields for their own protection.”
The prisoner had posed serious challenges in Mountjoy, having spent time in the Challenging Behaviour Unit.
He has almost 80 convictions including for threats to kill and other vile assaults.
The incident happened amid a weekend of chaos in the Dublin lock-up with other officers targeted.
One suffered injuries when he had a hot cup of tea thrown in his face.
While in the D Division, inmates have been smashing lights and swinging brushes at staff.
On Bank Holiday Monday, the jail was put on complete lock down as officers carried out a major operation to hit back.
The Irish Sun revealed how 30 phones and 5000 tablets were seized at the jail, along with crack cocaine and weapons.
Following the attack on their staff member, the Irish Prison Service said that “any act of violence against prison staff is unacceptable”.
Gardai confirmed a full investigation into the incident is underway.
