Security measures were loosened for Quebec inmates who escaped by helicopter

MONTREAL – Quebec’s deputy premier says security measures for three men who escaped from prison in a helicopter were loosened just a day before their daring getaway.

Lise Theriault is confirming that a judge granted a request by the trio on Friday to ease up on the conditions of their confinement, including the possibility they had their handcuffs removed.

Theriault, who is also public security minister, told a news conference this morning she doesn’t know why the judge agreed to the request.

Yves Denis, Denis Lefebvre and Serge Pomerleau escaped from the Orsainville Detention Centre in suburban Quebec City on Saturday evening when a chopper landed in a courtyard, picked them up and quickly took off.

Police say the three men were originally arrested on drug trafficking and gangsterism charges in 2010.

The Quebec provincial police website also says Denis is also facing first-degree murder charges, while Lefebvre and Pomerleau are facing charges of murder and conspiracy to murder.