Updated 3.03pm

AN ESCAPED PRISONER at large since last month has been returned to Portlaoise prison.

Lee McDonnell (23) had managed to slip out of handcuffs and escape while being transported back to prison from a hospital visit on 17 December.

The prison van had stopped for food at the time.

However, he was spotted by gardaí in Ronanstown, west Dublin yesterday afternoon.

McDonnell, who was armed with a knife, was chased up to a rooftop before being arrested, a source said.

The escaped prisoner was held briefly at Ronanstown garda station before being handed back over to prison authorities.

Read: Gardaí search for prisoner who escaped from prison van >

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Gardaí chase and arrest escaped prisoner armed with a knife

Read: Gardaí search for prisoner who escaped from prison van >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.