Gardai Investigate 'Cowardly' Arson Attack on Home of Prison Officer

An arson attack on the home of a prison officer has been described as 'cowardly' and 'extremely sinister' by the Prison Officers' Association (POA).

The attack, which occurred in Trim, County Meath, on Monday night, could have led to loss of life, the association said.

No injuries were reported in the fire, which began at about 11:30 p.m. local time.

The POA said the attack "could have led to loss of life" and was "extremely sinister."

The body represents prison officers in the Republic of Ireland.

Its deputy general secretary, Gabriel Keaveny, added: "We have no doubt that this horrific attack related to the prison officer's work."

Mr Keaveny called for Ireland's justice minister, Helen McEntee, and the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, to "take whatever action is necessary to ensure that prison officers and their families are safe in their own homes."

"The government have a responsibility for the safety and security to its employees," he added.

The association also requested 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," he continued, "which understandably are a shocking ordeal for prison officers and their families."

Police said their enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Helen McEntee has condemned the attack.

She said: "This was a reckless and unacceptable act of violence that could have had very tragic consequences.

"Nobody’s home should ever be targeted in this, or in any other way."

The department outlined that last year maximum prison sentences were increased from seven years to 12 years for those assaulting or threatening a peace officer, which includes prison officers or members of An Garda Síochána.

Also under the Criminal Damage Act 1991, the offence of arson can carry a sentence of up to life in prison.

The department added that Ms McEntee has met with the Prison Officers' Association on a number of occasions over the last year.

This Irish Prison Service called acts of violence against their staff is "unacceptable."

They said "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."

Prison Officers Association Condemns 'Extremely Sinister' Arson Attack

The Prison Officers' Association has described the attack as extremely sinister and could have led to loss of life.

It's called for an urgent meeting with the Director of Prison Services to discuss the incident.

Gardai Investigate Criminal Damage Incident

In a statement Gardaí say they are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire that happened around half past 11 last night in Trim, Co. Meath.

They also say no injuries have been reported at this time.

A petrol bomb was thrown at the property and smashed through a window at around 5am

Gardai are investigating after an arson attack occurred at the home of a prison officer. The horrific petrol bomb attack occurred at the officer's home in the Co Meath area last night.

It is understood a petrol bomb was thrown at the property and smashed through a window at around 5am in the morning.

In a statement the Prison Officers Association (POA) connected the attack as “cowardly” and called on immediate action from the Minister for Justice, Irish Prison Service bosses and the Garda Commissioner.

Previous Attacks on Prison Officers' Homes

“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,” the POA added.

Calls for Increased Protection for Prison Officers

The POA are understood to be meeting the Director General of the Irish Prison Service to express their concerns later this afternoon.

Irish Prison Service Statement

In a statement this morning 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.

“Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 as amended specifically provides for assaults or threats to peace officers including prison officers acting in the execution of their duty.

“Any person who assaults or threatens to assault a peace officer in the execution of their duty is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or both or on convictions on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 years or both.

“Irish Prison Service engages with An Garda Síochána with regard to the reporting of any possible criminal act and this happens at both local and national level. The Irish Prison Service continues to work with An Garda Síochána on a number of joint actions to target criminal gangs”

Conclusion

The arson attack on the home of a prison officer is a reminder of the dangers that prison staff face on a daily basis. Prison officers play a vital role in keeping our communities safe, and they deserve to be protected from violence and intimidation.

The government and the Gardaí must take action to ensure that prison officers and their families are safe in their own homes.