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PSNI
Maghaberry Prison
'Dangerous' prisoner on the run after being released by mistake
People are urged not to approach Michael Lawrence Smith if they see him, but to contact police immediately.
POLICE IN THE north are looking for information on the whereabouts of a prisoner who was released “erroneously” and has not returned to Maghaberry Prison.
Michael Lawrence Smith, aged 38, was released erroneously by the Prison Service yesterday (7 March), said the PSNI. He has failed to return.
Smith, who is currently on remand for murder, had previously applied for High Court bail for this offence. Police strenuously objected and bail was refused.
Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes 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.
Geddes said he would ask Smith to hand himself in to the authorities without any further delay.
He said that anyone who knows of his current whereabouts or who has any information should contact police on 999.
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