Search continues for escaped prisoner

The search for a prisoner jailed for a brutal hammer attack which left his victim brain damaged was continuing today after he went on the run from a Northern Ireland jail.

Barry Kevin Donegan-Moyna has been at large since failing to return to Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim on Thursday after being given temporary release.

The 22-year-old was jailed for eight years in February 2005 for inflicting grievous bodily harm after attacking a man as he slept in his south Belfast home. He was also found guilty of aggravated burglary and assault. His brother, Gerard, is serving a 15 year sentence after being convicted of attempted murder over the same attack.

Their victim, Maurice McCracken, who is in his 50s, was left severely and permanently damaged by the attack. He has been in need of 24-hour care following the attack on him as he slept in his Strangford Avenue home in March 2003.

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Jailing the brothers at Belfast Crown Court, the judge, Mr Justice Deeny said Mr McCracken had been "brutally attacked" without the slightest provocation or justification of any kind.

Donegan-Moyna is said to be about 5ft 5in tall, of medium build with brown hair and brown eyes.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland urged him to hand himself in to the nearest police station. Police also appealed for information from anyone who had seen him over the past few days or who knew of his whereabouts.

PA