Beattie wasthe only successfulescapee

Dean Beattie was the only successful escapee out of ten prisoners who tried to escape state custody in Northern Ireland over the past three years, albeit his freedom was extremely short-lived.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Feb 2016, 21:34 BST
Pacemaker Press 30/12/2015 Dean Beattie (22 )who was previously filmed escaping from Bishops Street Courthouse in Londonderry pictured following his rearrest and appearance at the same court. Pic PacemakerPacemaker Press 30/12/2015 Dean Beattie (22 )who was previously filmed escaping from Bishops Street Courthouse in Londonderry pictured following his rearrest and appearance at the same court. Pic Pacemaker
Pacemaker Press 30/12/2015 Dean Beattie (22 )who was previously filmed escaping from Bishops Street Courthouse in Londonderry pictured following his rearrest and appearance at the same court. Pic Pacemaker

Justice Minister David Ford revealed Mr Beattie’s daring and televised escape from Bishop Street Courthouse at Christmas was one of several that were attempted last year.

In fact, there were more attempted escapes in 2015 than in the two previous years combined. Six prisoners tried to escape last year. Mr Beattie was the only one who succeeded.

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In 2013 there were no escapes although one prisoner tried and in 2014 there were no escapes although three attempted escapes were recorded.

He stated: “All of these incidents occurred while prisoners were escorted outside their respective establishments to attend hospital or to appear at court. The only prisoner who escaped was returned to custody four days later.”

Related topics:Northern Ireland