Suspected Arson Attack On Prison Officer’s Home Roundly Condemned

A prison officer's home was targeted in an apparent arson attack prompting calls for immediate measures to protect staff.

The officer works for a specialist unit involved in targeting organised criminal gang members who are behind bars.

Its being described as “extremely sinister” by representatives. The officer's home is reported to be in Trim, Co. Meath.

A window in the officer’s home was broken and a flammable device was then thrown into the building. 

The Prison Officers Association said they “utterly condemn the cowardly arson attack on a prison officers home during the night.

“This attack was extremely sinister in nature and could have led to loss of life.”

POA Deputy General Secretary Gabriel Keaveny said: “We have no doubt that this horrific attack related to the prison officers work.”

“We now call on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that prison officers and their families are safe in their own homes.”

The POA is now seeking an urgent meeting with the Director of the Prison Service to discuss the attack.

There have been similar instances of attacks on prison officers homes in the past, which understandably are a shocking ordeal for prison officers and their families, it was added.

“It is now important that the perpetrators of this cowardly and frightening attack are brought to justice.”

“We will be offering continued support to the prison officer involved and his family as they deal with this shocking ordeal.”

The Irish Prison Service said “any act of violence against a prison officer is unacceptable.”

“Any criminal act carried out within our prisons, including assaults or threats on a staff member, are reported to An Gardaí Síochána for investigation and prosecution. “

“Staff who are subject to an assault or threat in our prisons are given the necessary supports through the employee assistance programme.”

It was pointed out that specific laws exist in relation to assaults against prison officers which can lead to a maximum 12-year sentence.