Killer on the loose has 'damaged' public confidence in justice system, says NI minister
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long has ordered an independent review after a convicted murderer, Gary Anderson, absconded while on temporary release for his father's funeral. The incident has sparked public concern regarding the judicial system's decision-making process.
Why it matters
The case raises significant questions about public safety and the criteria used for granting compassionate release to high-risk offenders.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Naomi Long is to speak in the Assembly about the circumstances surrounding Gary Anderson's compassionate temporary release
Public confidence in the justice system has been "damaged" by the circumstances surrounding the temporary release from prison of convicted murderer Gary Anderson, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
Anderson, who is one of two brothers jailed for life in 2023 for the 2018 murder of Karol Kelly in Londonderry, remains at large a week after he absconded while attending his father's funeral in Londonderry last Monday.
Long, who is to meet the murder victim's family, is ordering an independent review into the circumstances surrounding Anderson's release from Maghaberry Prison.
That happened after a court overturned a decision by the prison service to refuse him permission to attend the funeral.
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