Irish burglar trio escape from jail as police launch manhunt

The three Irishmen escaped Springhill Open Prison in Buckinghamshire.

Three Irishmen, Jason MacDonagh, Daniel Harty, (both 34), and Barney Casey (24), broke out of Springhill Open Prison near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, on Monday evening (June 23).

They had been serving time for their roles in a 2023 high-value burglary spree in which they stole £300,000 worth of jewellery and cash from over 50 homes across the UK.

The men were wearing standard grey tracksuits at the time of their escape. Police have warned the public not to approach the men, and toimmediately call 999.

MacDonagh is described as a white man with ginger hair, around 5ft 9 inches, and of medium build. Casey is also white, approximately 5ft 9 inches with a small build, and has black hair. Harty is a white man, 5ft 9 inches tall, of slim build, with black hair and a black beard.

They were all part of a gang that would target mostly unoccupied homes.

The trio and their gang would break in by smashing windows or forcing doors and gates.

CCTV shows that the gang would storm properties in broad daylight, one clip chillingly showing them removing a bay window as traffic flies by just yards away.

Another video shows the group breaking into a home while a woman was inside. She is heard screaming in horror before the intruders flee the scene.

The burglars were eventually caught after detectives went through hours of CCTV footage, which captured them getting away in two getaway cars, an Audi R3 and a VW Golf, both with false number plates.

The three men, as well as fourth gang member Darren O'Halloran, were convicted of conspiracy to burgle and jailed for a total of almost 50 years at Birmingham Crown Court.

A spokesperson for the Thames Valley Police revealed that the men had connections with many addresses in the UK and Ireland.

"Investigators are appealing for the public's help in tracing three prison absconders.

"They are known to frequent Bristol, West Midlands, Leicestershire, Leeds, Bradford, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland," said the spokesman.

Claire Busby, Police staff investigator, said: "We are appealing to the public for any information around MacDonagh, Casey and Harty's whereabouts, or anyone who may see them to get in touch.

"We would advise members of the public not to approach them, but to call 999 instead. If you have any information as to where they may be, you can call 101. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111."