(YouTube: SineadOCarrollTJ/courtesy of Midlands 103)

AT 9.35AM TODAY, a metallic grey Ford Mondeo sped out of the gates of Portlaoise Prison.

Heading for Dublin, the vehicle was carrying one of Ireland’s most infamous crime bosses. Sixty-one-year-old John Gilligan sat in the backseat of the car, speaking on his mobile phone with his trademark grin on his face.

He was enjoying his first moments of freedom following a 17-year jail term.

Gilligan was originally given a 28-year sentence for drug offences but this was reduced to 20 years on appeal. The time served was shortened further because of remission and he eventually served a total of 12 years.

While behind bars, the notorious criminal was found on two separate occasions to be in possession of a mobile phone, and received extra six- and eight- month sentences for those offences. The Ballyfermot native has also served extra time in prison for assaulting a prison officer.

In the video, members of the media on motorbikes can be seen driving after the car.

Although the convicted man led the gang responsible for killing journalist Veronica Guerin in 1996, he was acquitted of the murder.

Video courtesy of Michael Dunne and Midlands 103.

Pictures: John Gilligan walks free from Portlaoise Prison