22/10/2013

Specialist Drug Rehab Unit For Maghaberry

A new drug rehabilitation unit is to be opened at Maghaberry jail next year.

The specialist unit is the first of its kind in the UK, according to prison service officials.

The facility will allow 15 prisoners to undertake a 12 week intensive programme at Glenn House on the prison site.

Announcing the drug unit, Justice Minister David Ford also revealed plans to allow some female prisoners greater freedom of movement.

Alderwood House at Hydebank Wood will be used as a 'step-down' unit, where up to 12 prisoners will be able to participate in daytime courses.

(MH/CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 December 2010
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
27 July 2023
Man Extradited To Germany To Serve 8 Year Prison Sentence
A man arrested by the PSNI's International Policing Unit in south Belfast on 10 November 2022, on an international arrest warrant has been extradited to Germany. The man, aged in his 30s, was sought for extradition to serve an eight-year prison sentence for serious sexual offences against children.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.