Description of rapist issued

Gardai have issued a description of a convicted rapist who escaped from custody on Sunday while on compassionate leave to visit…

Gardai have issued a description of a convicted rapist who escaped from custody on Sunday while on compassionate leave to visit his ill mother, writes Declan Fahy.

Martin Farrell (32), Loughshinney, Skerries, Co Dublin, is five feet, eight inches tall, of medium build, with fair complexion, short dark hair and a light moustache. At the time of his escape he was wearing a white shirt, dark trousers and a brown jacket.

Farrell absconded while serving a nine-year sentence for the double rape of a woman in August 1994, an offence committed while he was on temporary release from prison. Gardai have described him as dangerous and say he should not be approached; people should call 999 if they have any information.

The governor of Arbour Hill prison has ordered an investigation into the escape.