Keith Macken: Garda hunt for remand prisoner who escaped from custody under escort to Tallaght Hospital

His name was Keith Macken from Cabra, who is currently in custody awaiting sentencing for assault causing harm.

He is understood to have been unwell at Wheatfield Prison and was taken to Tallaght for treatment under the escort of prison officers.

He then managed to elude his prison escort while he was being cared for in hospital at around 6am this morning.

Full details of his escape are unknown, and a full-scale investigation has been launched.

Prison sources say Macken, 43, has previously been treated at the hospital.

The Irish Prison Service said in a statement; “The Irish Prison Service can confirm that a prisoner escaped from lawful custody this morning while being escorted to hospital in Tallaght.

“The Garda Siochana were immediately notified and received all relevant information regarding the prisoner.

“The Irish Prison Service is currently investigating the circumstances of the escape.”