Wayne O'Donoghue released from prison

Wayne O'Donoghue has been released from the Midlands Prison after serving 3 years in jail for the manslaughter of next door neighbour Robert Holohan.

Wayne O Donoghue making a statement to the press after leaving Midlands Prison, with his Solicitor Frank Buttimer (left) and father Ray (right). Photograph: Alan Betson

O'Donoghue (23) was released shortly before 7am and prior to being driven away by his father Ray and solicitor Frank Buttimer, he read a prepared statement to the assembled media.

In it, he expressed his deep regret "to Mark and Majella Holohan and to their family for causing to them the loss of their beloved Robert".

He also accepted responsibility for his actions after Robert's death, when O'Donoghue joined the search for the missing 11-year-old before admiting his role to gardai a number of days later.

The schoolboy's body was dumped near Inch Strand in Co Cork but was not found until eight days later, wrapped in black refuse sacks about 20km from his home.

O'Donoghue also expressed remorse for the pain and distress he had caused to his family and friends.

Robert Holohan

He thanked the staff at the Midlands Prison for the "fair and reasonable" treatment during his imprisonment and also those members of the wider community who had contacted him during his time in jail.

O'Donoghue said today's statement would be his "only statement" and he asked for this to be respected.

After completing his statement, O'Donoghue was driven away to an undisclosed location.

O'Donoghue served three of the four-year sentence imposed by the courts. He was released early for his good behaviour while serving his sentence.

O'Donoghue, an engineering student, was acquitted of Robert's murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Wayne O'Donoghue statement in full:

"I wish to express my profound apologies and deep regret to Mark and Majella Holohan and to their family for causing to them the loss of their beloved Robert.

I fully accept responsibility, not only for that loss, but also for the additional grief and distress which I have caused to them owing to my actions following Robert's death.

I realise and accept that nothing which I may do or say will ever ease their suffering. I feel and carry the burden of guilt for my actions each day.

I also profoundly regret the hurt and distress I have caused to the wider community, to all whom I have caused such grief and distress I can only repeat my sorrow and ask for forgiveness.

To my own family, relations and friends, I also wish to repeat my expression of sorrow for the pain and suffering which I have caused you. I deeply appreciate the support you have given me over the past three years and I will always be grateful for this.

I also wish to express my gratitude to all of those people in the wider community who have made contact with me directly and indirectly since my imprisonment. I am eternally grateful to you for your kindness, support and understanding.

I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to the governor and staff at the Midlands prison for the very fair and reasonable manner in which I have been treated during my term of imprisonment.

I fully accept personal responsibility for all of my actions in this matter. I have always stated that I would as a consequence accept the penalty imposed by the courts for my wrong-doing.

I have served the penalty which has been imposed upon me by the courts to the best of my ability. I intend this to be my only statement in relation to this matter and I would hope for your understanding in that regard."