An Arson Attack Was Planned On The Home Of A Prison Officer In Meath
Last night, an arson attack was planned on the home of a prison officer in County Meath. An investigation is currently being done to obtain the details of the attack.
The prison officer was an operational as well as intelligence unit staff member. These two departments are meant to oversee the matters of organised crime in prison.
(Also read: Two Jailed for Attempting to Intimidate Witnesses in High-Profile Garda Murder Case)
Gardai have doubts that the arson attack could have been due to the man’s work in the prison. It could have offended someone and the perpetrator has reacted with an attack.
It was noticed that the window of the home of the prison officer was broken and flammable liquid was thrown through it. It is also suspected that a petrol bomb could have been used for the said purpose.
The fire began at 23:30 local time, on Monday. The officer was present at home at that moment, with his family. His wife was also there at that time. No injuries were recorded.
Possible reason behind the arson attack
A major person involved in an organised crime gang within the prison was found with drugs and a phone. They were involved in drug trafficking and contraband within the prison walls. The belongings are to be transferred to a separate prison unit.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has accursed the attack by saying that it was “extremely sinister in nature”. They mentioned it as entirely abominable as it “could have led to loss of life”.
Similar views were recorded for Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. She said, “a reckless and unacceptable act of violence that could have had very tragic consequences”. She emphasised that no one’s safe place like home should be targeted for such shameful arson attacks.
She further clarified that last year she extended the prison sentencing for assaulting or threatening a peace officer from seven to twelve years. The peace officers included members of An Garda Siochana, and the offence comes under the Criminal Damage Act 1991, leading to a clear violation in the arson attack case. It may bring the offender to a sentence of life imprisonment.
POA Deputy General Secretary, Gabriel Keaveny was hundred per cent sure that this attack was only in response to the prison officer’s work. Keaveny called the Minister of Justice and the Garda Commissioner to take any appropriate action that is needed to ensure the offender is behind bars.
It is mandatory to take these steps so that safety of the families of the prison staff is guaranteed. The government takes full responsibility for the protection and security of its employees.
Also, Keaveny assured, “When we go to work, we can return safely home to our families”. He took it as his accountability to ensure the safety of the prison staff members and that is part of their job.
A meeting was called after the arson attack involving all the POA members. It was for the discussion with the Director of the Prison Service to highlight similar attacks and how to prevent them in future. They also made the problem prominent that the homes of the prison staff members should be safe.
The Prison Service made an obligatory action by passing a statement that any act similar to the arson attack is declared “unacceptable”.
The statement also clarified that any person supporting such acts would be considered for the same punishment. Any staff member who has any risk of an aforementioned attack would be given full support through the employee assistance program. The possible victims are also invited to report any such incident to An Garda Siochana for deeper investigations and prosecution.
