Mountjoy Prison Shuts Down Prized Bakery Amid Gangland Threats
Prison officials were forced to close the facility after gang members manipulated it to smuggle contraband, posing a significant security risk.
Mountjoy Prison has been forced to close its highly regarded bakery, a facility that has hosted several high-profile inmates, due to security concerns stemming from gangland threats. Prison bosses ordered the shutdown after discovering that the bakery was being exploited by criminal elements to introduce drugs and mobile phones into the facility.
The closure marks a significant decision for the prison, as the bakery has been a sought-after work assignment for inmates. Its location, on the same footprint as the kitchen and near the main gate, made it vulnerable to manipulation.
Among the notable prisoners who have worked in the bakery are Michael Lynn, known for his conviction related to the boom years, and Patrick Quirke, convicted of the murder of DJ John 'Mr Moonlight' Reay. The facility's operational proximity to the main gate and goods entrance facilitated these illicit activities.
The bakery was not only a vocational training ground for inmates but also a critical hub for prison operations. In the past, Mountjoy's bakery model was recognized and replicated in other jurisdictions, including Hydebank Wood prison for women and young offenders in Belfast. However, its function as a 'weak link' for smuggling contraband ultimately led to its downfall.
Prison sources indicated that the bakery's position, approximately 30-40 meters from the main entrance, provided an easy access point for illicit items. The need to address this security vulnerability and prevent further infiltration of contraband led to the difficult decision to cease operations at the facility.