Naomi Long, Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister, has firmly rejected allegations that she misled the Assembly concerning the temporary release of convicted murderer Gary Anderson, maintaining she acted with complete transparency. Anderson remains at large one week after absconding from his chaperone while attending his father’s funeral.
Addressing Stormont on Monday, Long stated she took offense to any implication, whether deliberate or accidental, that she had sought to deceive members. She emphasized that she provided all information available to her at the time with full candor.
The controversy stems from a judicial review into the initial refusal of Anderson’s compassionate temporary release (CTR) application. Court documents revealed that the Prison Service’s original decision was based on inaccurate risk assessment data. Specifically, Anderson’s reoffending likelihood score was recorded as 27, indicating medium risk, rather than the 32, or high risk, cited in the refusal letter.
Mr. Justice Rooney found that the duty governor at Maghaberry Prison relied on this incorrect information and described the authority’s refusal to reconsider the decision after the judge offered the opportunity as “somewhat surprising.” The judge ultimately granted the release, ruling that the initial decision was unlawful due to the inclusion of irrelevant and erroneous factors.
Long explained that a procedural error by the Departmental Solicitor’s Office meant prison officials were unaware the judge had invited them to review their stance. She confirmed that this omission was only discovered following the publication of the full judgment.
Given the severity of the situation and Anderson’s subsequent flight, Long announced the commissioning of a comprehensive independent review. This inquiry will examine every aspect of the case, from the initial CTR application through the judicial review process and the events leading to Anderson’s disappearance.
Anderson, one of two brothers sentenced to life in 2023 for the murder of Karol Kelly in Londonderry, was granted a two-hour release from Maghaberry Prison. His brother Sean, applying from Magilligan Prison, had his request denied, a decision upheld by the court. Anderson was also refused permission to attend the cremation in County Donegal.
Court papers indicate Anderson escaped from a civilian chaperone, identified as his uncle, on the morning of the funeral at St Mary’s Church in Derry. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by the relative.
The minister also offered a renewed apology to the Kelly family, acknowledging the renewed distress caused by the developments. She expressed hope to meet with them soon and defended her dedication to the victim’s rights, pushing back against criticisms that she prioritized prisoner interests over those of the victim’s family.
I’m surprised the judge called the prison’s refusal to reconsider ‘somewhat surprising.’ That seems like an understatement given the stakes.
Independent review announced. Sounds reasonable, though one wonders how much confidence the public will actually have in this process.
A data entry error leading to a murder being released? That is terrifying. We need answers, not just reviews.