‘Sinister attempt to intimidate’: Vandalism of NI Prison Service billboard branded ‘pathetic’

A video of the vandalism, which happened on the Antrim Road, was posted online by Lasair Dhearg in which a man appears to daub orange paint over the images of two prison officers to create sashes, accompanied with the slogan ‘Loyalist prison service’.

They posted a statement with the video on their website, which said the “British state continues to recruit for its Prison Service in occupied Ireland, hoping that they can balance the books with ‘Catholics’”

It added: "Just like the PSNI, they will fail.”

DUP MLA Phillip Brett has criticised those responsible as ‘pathetic’.

“I utterly condemn the disgraceful and cowardly vandalism of a Prison Service recruitment billboard recently on the Antrim Road. This is nothing more than a pathetic and sinister attempt to intimidate future applicants from pursuing an honourable and essential career serving and keeping our communities safe,” the North Belfast MLA said.

“Let me be clear, those responsible represent no one but themselves.

“They are relics of a dark past that the vast majority of people across Northern Ireland have long rejected. The men and women of the Prison Service carry out a difficult and vital job, often in challenging circumstances, and they deserve nothing but our respect and support.

“These thugs will not succeed in their attempts to deter individuals from stepping forward to serve our society,” he added.

“Political representatives in North Belfast should publicly condemn those behind this and support the right of the Prison Service to advertise in and recruit from all communities.

“I would urge the PSNI to take firm action against those who shamelessly and foolishly filmed themselves carrying out this criminal damage.”

The Northern Ireland Prison Service said it “was disappointed by the vandalism of one of our recruitment posters. We welcome applications from all parts of the community, and any attempt to intimidate people from applying must be condemned.

“The recruitment campaign was very successful with significant numbers applying to join the Service. We look forward to assessing those applicants over the coming months, with successful candidates beginning their induction training later this year.”

It’s understood the recruitment campaign ended on July 11 and the poster has since been removed.

The PSNI said: "Police received a report of criminal damage to a poster in the Antrim Road area of North Belfast on Wednesday, 16th of July. Enquiries are on-going.”