Manhunt Launched for Irish Burglars Escaped UK Prison

A manhunt is underway after three Irishmen, Jason MacDonagh, Daniel Harty, and Barney Casey, escaped from Springhill Open Prison in Buckinghamshire. The trio were serving sentences for their leading roles in a 2023 burglary spree across the UK during which they stole over £300,000 worth of jewelry and cash from more than 50 homes, often targeting unoccupied properties and using getaway cars with false plates. MacDonagh, Harty, and Casey are described as white men, approximately 5ft 9in tall, with distinctive hair and facial hair details, and police have warned the public not to approach them. The men have links to multiple locations across the UK and Ireland, including Bristol, the West Midlands, Leeds, and Northern Ireland. Their escape has raised concerns following recent policy changes allowing serious offenders to transfer early to open prisons to address overcrowding. Authorities urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact police or report anonymously to Crimestoppers.