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A man has made a dramatic escape as he appeared in the dock in a courtroom today.

The incident happened at Bray District Court in Bray, Co Wicklow this morning.

A prison source said: "It happened just before 11 o'clock this morning.

"The person was in court and in the dock when he managed to make good his escape."

The inmate, who is currently on remand at Cloverhill Prison to face trial, was being led to the holding cell when he made his escape through the door of Bray Court.

It is the second time the prisoner, who cannot be named as he is facing charges, has managed to abscond from custody.

Just last month he managed to escape during a hospital visit.

The prisoner is still at large and a manhunt is now underway to track him down.

It is understood the fugitive also tried to escape two weeks ago, but his attempt was foiled by staff.

Gardai are continuing inquiries into the incident.

The escape comes as the Justice Minister today promised anti-stab vests, batons and pepper spray to protect prison officers from dangerous inmates.

Minister Fitzgerald, speaking at the Prison Officers Association’s annual conference in Ennis, Co Clare, said that the new recommendations are being implemented.