FORMER BILLIONAIRE SEÁN Quinn has been released from prison today.

He is currently serving a nine-week jail sentence in Mountjoy Prison for contempt of court, having been sentenced on 2 November by the High Court.

On Friday, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, announced that 226 prisoners would be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas. The releases come under the Criminal Justice Act 1960.

Quinn is being released following talks between the Attorney General, the prison service and the Minister for Justice. Quinn will be on temporary release from 24 – 26 December, but has missed the christening of his granddaughter, which took place on Saturday.

A statement from the Irish Prison Service cited Quinn’s age, behaviour and ‘long term health difficulties’ as among the factors given consideration during discussions about his release.

It is believed Quinn may have been picked up by his son, Seán Quinn Jr, at Mountjoy this morning.

Read: Fermanagh GAA County Convention pledges support for Sean Quinn>

Read: 226 prisoners granted temporary release for Christmas>

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