44 prisoners released from Magilligan for Christmas

The Prison Service granted 76 prisoners Christmas Home Leave across Northern Ireland's three main prisons over the holiday period. Their periods of temporary release have been granted for varying periods from December 23, 2009 until January 4, 2010 (The equivalent figure for 2008 was 72). Applications from 42 prisoners were refused, while conditions were placed on all successful applicants.

44 prisoners were released from Magilligan Prison, 19 from Maghaberry Prison and 13 from Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre and Prison, including three females.

All prisoners granted home leave at Christmas were subject to a satisfactory risk assessment and had either successfully completed a home leave programme or undergone periods of unaccompanied testing in the community.