Statement on circumstances relating to compassionate temporary release of Gary Anderson
Date published:
The Justice Minister remains deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding the compassionate temporary release of Gary Anderson and his subsequent absconding.
In particular, she is acutely conscious of the distress the situation has caused to the family of Karol Kelly, with whom she intends to meet at the earliest opportunity, as well as wider public concern.
Since reporting to the Assembly earlier this week, and on foot of the review which she committed to regarding the circumstances of this case, further information emerged regarding the handling of the case and events surrounding the judicial review proceedings.
As soon as the Minister was made aware of these issues, she instructed the Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) to undertake an urgent investigation into these matters.
As a result, it now appears that, while the Court’s judgment records that the possibility of a reconsideration of the original decision was discussed during proceedings, this opportunity was not communicated by legal representatives to those within NIPS who held responsibility for the decision.
Updates provided to NIPS following the hearing, including legal readouts, did not indicate such an opportunity had been offered.
The Minister is clear that it is important that all relevant facts are established and considered carefully, and she intends to update the Assembly at the earliest opportunity as to the actions she will be taking to ensure that this happens.
Indeed, immediately on becoming aware of this new information, she indicated her intention to make an Oral Statement to the Assembly on Monday to the Speaker's Office.
While Gary Anderson remains unlawfully at large, the Minister has also urged him to surrender himself to authorities immediately, and asks anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the PSNI without delay.