A Dangerous Prisoner Is On The Run After Being Mistakenly Released

Police in Northern Ireland are on the lookout for a prisoner who was released mistakenly by the prison service yesterday.

Michael Lawrence Smith, aged 38, is currently on remand and awaiting trial for murder. He failed to return to Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn.

Smith had previously applied for High Court bail which police refused.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes of the PSNI said:

“Michael Smith, who is deemed as dangerous, was last seen in the Belfast area at 2pm on Tuesday 7 March. “He has an extensive history of violence and I would urge the public not to approach him but contact police immediately.

“I would ask Mr Smith to hand himself in to the authorities without any further delay and ask anyone who knows of his current whereabouts or who has any information to contact police on 999.”

(header pic credit: PSNI)