Missing Maghaberry prisoner arrested in Carryduff

A prisoner mistakenly released on bail from Maghaberry nearly a month ago has been arrested in the Carryduff area, outside Belfast, on Wednesday night.

Police confirmed that the arrest had been made and thanked the public for their help.

The Prison Service had to apologise following the “serious mistake” which led to Michael Lawrence Smith, 38, being released.

He then failed to return to the high security facility.

Smith is charged with the murder of a man in south Belfast last year – namely 28-year-old Stephen Carson, who was shot in the head by armed men in front of his partner and son at their home.

Mr Carson’s mother was left distraught by the news that a suspect in her son’s killing was back on the streets.