Killer on the loose has 'damaged' public confidence in justice system, says NI minister
Gary Anderson remains at large a week after he absconded while attending his father's funeral in Derry.
Public trust in the Northern Ireland justice system has suffered due to the circumstances surrounding Gary Anderson's temporary release from prison, according to Justice Minister Naomi Long. Anderson, one of two convicted murderers for the 2018 killing of Karol Kelly, escaped from Maghaberry Prison last Monday while attending his father's funeral in Londonderry.
Long, who plans to meet the victim's family, is initiating an independent review of the events leading up to Anderson's release. The judge overseeing Anderson's case noted that incorrect information about his reoffending risk led to the flawed decision not to grant him permission to attend the funeral. Long has acknowledged that a procedural error prevented prison officials from being informed about the judge's offer to reconsider the release decision.
She emphasized the need for an independent review to establish all facts and implement measures to prevent a recurrence of this incident.
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